Medieval London Walking Tour Oxford PhD Historian Guide
Description
Dr Geoff, Historian and published author has a DPhil in History from The University of Oxford. His specialty is medieval England and its churches. He is an expert on England's medieval churches and England's castles, kings, queens, and wars. You are getting an expert to walk with you throughout central London. He will bring the silent buildings to life as you learn about the incredible medieval and later history of the great city. Dr Geoff will tell you not just what happened but why it did. You will hear about why and how the churches were built. And if you know about the Da Vinci Code then you will learn about the Knights Templar and their mark on Europe and in London in the Middle Ages. Dr Geoff has consistent 5 Star reviews on TripAdvisor which you will soon understand why.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We meet at the West end of St Paul's Cathedral near the grand stairs. This marvel was built by Sir Cristopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666. The Fire destroyed most of medieval London but there are plenty of places that survived close by. Sir Christopher plays a role in the other buildings we will see so we need to learn about him and London before 1666. It is an 18 minute walk to St Bart's.
On our way to St Bart's Priory we will stop at the memorial to William Wallace the Scot hero who fought for Scottish independence.
The Church of St Bartholomew-the-Great is a 12th-century gem. Much of it survived not only the Great Fire of 1666 but also the Reformation, Civil War, and The Blitz of WW2. the eastern side of the church retains stunning arches, columns, and tombs. It is an early Norman church and will be valuable to compare it with the other churches we will visit built in the later medieval centuries.
We will discuss the Medieval London's walls and stop at Newgate one of London's old entry points. It later gained fame as a prison. It is where the Old Bailey (London Criminal Court) was built and still used.
If you have seen or read The Da Vinci Code then you know about the Knights Templar. These medieval monk-knights were a wealthy and mysterious Crusader force. They had great wealth and built this church in the 12th century. This too survived the Great Fire but the Victorian restorers did most of the damage! Its incredible stone vaulted ceiling survived The Blitz when bombs rained down all around it. There is a great link here to the Founding Fathers of the United States - so it should not be missed!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Dr Geoff will have a blue lanyard showing Historic Tours of England
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total duration includes the walk from the meeting point until the end point.
Reviews(5)
First of all, Dr Geoff knows his history! His tour was top notch and we really enjoyed all the sites and stories about medieval London…he speaks very articulately and intelligently without being academic or boring…in fact, he makes the history come alive and fascinating! He is easy going and friendly and we are very excited to book one of his longer trips next summer to learn more about medieval Britain…highly recommend Dr Geoff to show you the highlights of English history!
It was great showing you the great places of medieval London.
Geoff was amazing. Super knowledgeable, friendly and a great tour guide. Would highly recommend. Thank you!
Thanks so much for your great review!
This walking tour through medieval London was a truly captivating journey into the city’s lesser-known history. From the moment we set off near St. Paul’s Cathedral, the route was thoughtfully designed to showcase some of the most fascinating corners of old London—many of which you’d easily miss on your own. The itinerary took us through narrow alleyways, ancient churches, and forgotten parts of the city that still bear the marks of medieval life. Sites like Temple Church, St. Bartholomew the Great, and the remnants of London’s Roman and medieval walls were all covered with just the right amount of detail—never overwhelming, but always enriching. Our guide, Geoff, brought a quiet authority to the experience. His background as a historian was clear, but what stood out most was how naturally he wove historical facts into stories that made the past feel vivid and human. He answered questions thoughtfully and had a real talent for highlighting details that connected the dots between centuries-old events and the city we walk through today. The pub lunch at the end was a fantastic way to wrap things up. It felt authentic and relaxed—perfect after a few hours on your feet—and added a social, local touch to the day. Overall, this tour is a brilliant choice for anyone interested in London’s deeper historical layers. Whether you’re a seasoned history enthusiast or just curious about the city’s roots, it strikes a great balance between education and enjoyment. Geoff’s insights added real value, but the route and content alone would make this tour worthwhile.
Thanks so much for your great review!
Dr. Geoff is an excellent tour guide. He is an extremely learned man with expert knowledge on medieval Churches and British history. Dr. Geoff began the private tour at St. Paul's Cathedral and took us to St. Bartholomew the Great as well as Temple Church. The latter two Churches are hidden relics of the Middle Ages that still survive today. He answered all our questions eloquently while explaining the architectural research he completed at Oxford. I certainly recommend Dr. Geoff's tour to anyone who is interested in the rich history of England and its Churches.
Hi Eleanor, Many thanks for your great review. It was a real pleasure showing you these hidden medieval gems of London. Geoff
Dr Geoff, was excellent, very knowledgeable, alway happy to answer any of our questions. Excellent tour all round.Highly recommend.
I am very pleased you both enjoyed the tour! We went longer than expected as you had so much knowledge to contribute. Many thanks for your support.
