London City Mouse Tours

25/10/2025

Roman Life tours are running in November. To book, go to the London City Mice website (link in the bio).

24/10/2025

Once a year, the London Pearly Kings & Queens Society have their annual knees--up in Guildhall Yard in the City of London.

With the great and the good of London mayoralty in attendance, this years offering saw maypole dancing, rock choirs, morris dancing, military bands, and even can-can dancing. The climax, as ever, though, is when the Pearlies (kings, queens, princes, princesses, and consorts) dance and lead everyone in a sing-song of traditional Cockney numbers like Maybe It's Because I'm a Londoner, Beer Barrel Polka, and the Lambeth Walk... Oiiii! They then process to St Mary-le-Bow church aka 'The Cockney Church' for a Harvest Festival service... followed by some sherbets in a local hostelry.

The Pearlies sprang up in Victorian times amongst the costermongers or street traders of north London. They used to sew mother of pearl buttons onto their clothes to mimic the wealthy. A diminutive street cleaner, Henry Croft, took things a stage further and completely covered his clothes in buttons and other bright material. He became a local celebrity and used it to raise money for the local worthy causes. Others were encouraged to follow suit (no pun intended) until eventually every London borough had a Pearly presence. You can't miss them, believe me!

To find out more about London's quirky side, why not try one of our walks: https://citymousetours.london/

19/10/2025

Join one of our London City Mice, Anne, and our fellow for a spooky tour of the City of London this October. Anne will be leading the tour on 17 October.
To book go to the City of London Guides Eventbrite page:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leadenhall-market-burials-bombs-fantastic-beasts-tickets-1747800481289

Explore the darker side of Leadenhall Market on our popular October walks – for one month only!

19/10/2025

Ever wondered what inspired the design of the wedding cake, or where journalists worship? Join one of our London City Mice Lianne to find out.

14/10/2025

No history of the City of London can be considered complete without the inclusion of the brilliant figure of Sir Christopher Wren. This polymath, though standing only 5ft 2in tall, is a true giant of architecture, innovation, and design. He was responsible for rebuilding key parts of the City following the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666.

Find out more on a London City Mouse Tour: https://citymousetours.london/

10/10/2025

Coade Stone was a popular artificial alternative to real stone in the 18th and 19th centuries. Produced in Lambeth, it was tough, hard wearing, and able to hold fine detail.

Its founder and driving force was, unusually for Georgian London, a woman: Eleanor Coade. Her products, using a formula she helped develop, can still be found all over London and beyond. She was truly a woman who left her mark on the capital.

06/10/2025

The Bard himself, William Shakespeare, used to live and work in the City. Find out more about this period of his life on one of our Famous Square Mile walks.

https://citymousetours.london/

21/09/2025

For centuries the Worshipful Company of Stationers' kept an eye on books being published in London. Up to the 18th century, if you printed without their permission, your work could end up being burned in the Stationers Hall garden.

Find out more on one of our London City Mouse Tours featuring this and other fascinating places in the famous Square Mile.

05/09/2025

Livery companies have played an integral part in the development of the City of London since the 12th century.

Originally known as guilds, they were made up of people who worked in the same craft or trade, and together, they regulated that trade, ensured high standards, and controlled its operation within the City. They lived, worked and even prayed together, which is why they became known as Worshipful Companies.

As they became more established they opened halls to meet in and started wearing distinctive clothing called livery. They even started to play a role in the governance of the City, playing a role in electing its sheriffs and Lord Mayor.

These livery companies are still around, in fact they're growing. Many are still involved in their original trade and raise money for charity. Their halls are dotted all over the City and some of them indulge in some ancient and fascinating ceremonies including carrying a boars head to the Lord Mayor's house and organising a sermon every year on the subject "Life is a Bubble".

Find out more about livery companies and their part in the development of the City of London's economy and culture on our Famous Square Mile Tour: https://citymousetours.london/

28/08/2025

The Pearlies are an iconic part of London's history and culture going back to the 1870s. Back then, a certain workhouse-born Henry Croft, who was employed as a road sweeper in St Pancras, became well known amongst the local costermonger (fruit & veg street sellers) community He started adorning his clothes with mother-of-pearl buttons and raising money for those sick and in need. He became a well-known figure in his striking button-covered suit and hat and inspired others, men and women, and many of them costermongers, to follow in his footsteps. Eventually, these characters, known as Pearly Kings and Queens, could be found in every borough in London, including the City of London.

Clive Bennett, who City Mouse Tours caught up with, is the Pearly King of Woolwich and helps keep this tradition alive. Displaying the irreverent wit, humour, and charm that characterises members of the Pearly community, he works tirelessly to help and support others and raise awareness of the work of the Pearly community.

You can see Clive and his fellow Pearlies bringing joy and laughter at their traditional Harvest Festival gathering in the City of London on 21 September at Guildhall Yard. After festivities that often include traditional Maypole and Morris dancing and often attended by mayor's from across London, they then process in all their finery to the Cockney church of St Mary-le-Bow. Make a date for a slice of London life!

To find out more about The London Pearly Kings and Queens Society Charity Fund, please visit https://www.pearlysociety.org.uk

To find out more about London's history and culture, join one of our London City Mouse Tours at https://citymousetours.london/

21/08/2025

Discover the gruesome history behind Smithfield's Watch House. For more fascinating stories from the history of the City of London, why not visit our website and book a tour?

18/08/2025

Discover how the City of London's most celebrated fair inspired the Beatles.