Guided London Walks & Tours with Discovering London
The club objectives are to enhance members' knowledge and appreciation of London; to
share interests with like-minded people; to have enjoyable and entertaining events. We run guided walks and
visit places not normally open to the public, or where expert guides are available
for group bookings.
Programme of events for May - August 2008
Saddler's Hall
In the heart of the City of London, off an ancient byeway, stands the magnificent mansion house of the The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, in a position it has occupied for over 600 years. The present Hall, built between 1956/58, still stands on the site of the original 14C Saddlers' Hall. It contains silver and other treasures dating from the 16C onwards. We have a talk on the history of the Saddler's Company, followed by a tour of the Hall.
Monday 19 May
Sikh Temple
This beautiful domed temple, made of sandstone and intricately hand carved by Rajasthani stonemasons, was opened in April 2005 to serve the local Sikh community. The original building was a single storey Labour Party Hall, but from 1998 - 2005 this was reconstructed as a magnificent 'Gurdwara'. The building combines traditional sikh and mughlai designs with modern western architecture. We have a talk on Sikhism and tour of the temple.
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Friday 13 June
Wesley's House & Chapel
John Wesley lived here when not touring to preach to his Methodist societies round the country. The house contains many of Wesley's belongings, including his electrical machine and his study chair. The Chapel is the only Methodist Church to feature in Simon Jenkins's England's Thousand Best Churches. We have a tour of the house and chapel and then can explore nearby Bunhill Fields with its monuments to many famous Dissenters.
Tuesday 17 June
Inside Georgian London
Enjoy tea and cakes in a beautiful Georgian town house! Built in 1791, Fitzroy House has its original interior designed in the style of Robert Adam. L Ron Hubbard worked here in the 1950s and we have a talk about Scientology and a guided tour before refreshments. We will also look around Robert Adam's elegant Fitzroy Square, where we have booked a visit to the Georgian Group which occupies one of Adam's original houses.
Monday 7 July
Geffrye Museum & Almshouses
We have a private guided tour of the Geffrye's restored 18C almshouse which offers a rare glimpse into the lives of London's poor from 1780 to 1880. On our way we walk through part of Shoreditch, including the fascinating Hoxton Square. Afterwards we are free to visit the Geffrye's period rooms including the newly created late 20C living space which is next to the excellent and reasonably priced café with its views of the delightful herb garden.
Friday 1 August
Mayfair exploration
We walk the streets of London's poshest area with its mixture of Georgian and Victorian buildings, where we meet many famous people. We also visit inside the very grand Dartmouth House, the imposing Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception and the exotic Goode's china shop where we admire Meissen porcelain and two £6 million china elephants. Finally we see a tributary of the River Tyburn in Gray's Antique Market.
Thursday 14 August
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020 8654 4370
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© Copyright Brian Cookson BA (OXON) 2008