Description
Clerkenwell, Islington
The clerks’ well. A name dating back to 1145, when this area lay just outside the walls of the City. Three monastic sites coexisted here, making it one of the spiritual and intellectual centres of medieval London.
The Industrial Revolution swept through — distilleries, print shops and clockmakers gradually replaced the monks and cloisters. And yet Clerkenwell resists. Beneath the Victorian façades and modern buildings, the Middle Ages still surface in the stones, alleyways, street names and courtyards that time has spared.
Here you will find the oldest hospital in the United Kingdom, the oldest Catholic church, and the oldest house in London — not a bad haul. From the founding of St Bartholomew’s Hospital to the Smithfield livestock market, from medieval fairs to the execution of Sir William Wallace, from the Great Fire to the Black Death to the warrior-monks — this tour plunges you into an era that London has never quite erased.
Highlights
The Priory of St John
London headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem, founded in 1144. The Tudor gatehouse that survives today is one of London’s finest medieval remains.
Smithfield: blood and commerce
One of London’s oldest markets — a place of fairs, executions and trade since the 12th century. Still a meat market today, its Victorian architecture is spectacular.
St Bartholomew-the-Great
The oldest church in the City of London, founded in 1123. Its Romanesque interior has survived fire, dissolution and the Blitz. One of the most atmospheric spaces in London.
The clockmakers of Clerkenwell
For two centuries, Clerkenwell was the world capital of watchmaking. Thousands of craftsmen worked in these streets, producing the finest timepieces in the Empire.
Practical information
Meeting point
Farringdon station
Circle, Hammersmith & City or Metropolitan lines
Cowcross Street exit
Cowcross Street exit
Duration
2h30 to 3h
Depending on the group’s pace and curiosity
Language
French
Certified guide, Green Badge, City of London Guide
Group size
1 to 20 people
Shared or private tour, your choice
Prices
£30/person or £230 flat rate
See price table below
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Route adaptable on request
Please note
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tours go ahead in all weathers — please dress accordingly.
- Each participant is responsible for their own safety.
Private tour — 1 to 20 people
The tour exclusively for your group, at your own pace
Not included
Photos
Reviews
★★★★★
“La visite de Clerkenwell nous a énormément plu. Nous avons appris des choses fascinantes sur ce quartier et découvert des lieux insolites que nous n’aurions jamais explorés. La connaissance approfondie de Londres et de son histoire de notre guide a vraiment enrichi notre expérience. Nous recommandons vivement !
★★★★★
“Une très belle visite sur les traces médiévales de Londres et au fil de son histoire. Nous avons appris beaucoup, merci à notre guide !
★★★★★
“Visiter Londres avec notre guide a été un vrai bonheur. Il connaît les secrets de cette ville comme sa poche. Il nous fait rêver, voyager et nous apprend énormément. Je vous conseille chaleureusement de réserver une sortie… vous ne le regretterez pas.
