Gaol Birds of Old London
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This unique guided 2 hour walking tour brings the stories of London's lady criminals to life using theatre, comedy and costumed actors. Learn about four very different real true crime cases from the 1800's and walk in the footsteps of these women.
You will visit places where crimes took place, where people were imprisoned and executed. The tour brings a distinctly feminist angle to the subject matter- analysing how female criminals were perceived and treated during this period and how much has changed.
**CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING - contains themes of murder, abuse, child abuse, violence and sex. We include dramatic reenactments of executions that may be triggering to some.**
Please note that this tour contains a lot of walking (up to 17 minutes without stopping) so please ensure you are fit enough to take part.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
City of London
London has a long, dark legacy of trial, punishment and execution. Join us on a journey to discover four of the lesser-known female felons of London's past. From the Old City of London to the bustling West End, allow your Guide to show you the places that crimes and executions took place in the 1800's and early 1900's, and introduce you to the women responsible for them! You will hear stories and dramatic re-enactments** of... ...A 22 year old 'Criminal Mastermind'... ...A 'poisonous' domestic servant... ...A murderous foster carer... ...A cunning courtesan... We will also examine how female criminals were perceived and treated during this period, the influence of class and race, and whether things have changed much today in the criminal justice system, and in society as a whole. Please note - distances between stops can be up to 17 minutes of walking. There are no stops on this tour. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have reasonable fitness to take part.
What‘s Included
Guided Walking Tour
Options
Gaol Birds of Old London
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dark and morbid, yet...
Sander O,Nov 7, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Dark and morbid, yet funny, educational and progressive. They do great job, highly recommend! Be prepared to walk for a couple for hours, see London at night, and learn about Victorian times.
Discover London's history from a new angle, as a herstory
279issyi,Oct 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unusual walking tour that I could/would happily recommend to anyone. Maria is so welcoming and carries the two hours with great enthusiasm and knowledge. I would go back again tonight if it ran two nights on the trot. I have lived in London for most of my life but viewed some of the stunning landmarks we passed with a fresh eye, armed with new, dark information that will stay with me. I also want to find out even more about the four (real) female characters she introduced - a sign of a job perfectly executed (see what I did there?). No wonder she had so many returning faces, I have also signed up for more.
Best tour I've been on
sophiemS9735MK,Sep 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best walking tour I've been on. Not just your usual tour. Maria and her team bring the stories to life with comedy and acting. The subject is dark but the tour is really engaging and fun. You feel like you're transported back to the Victorian era. Would recommend to anyone who likes doing something a bit different. This experience should be more well known than it is!
Great for a different kind of date night!
Mister Meredith,Sep 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked this tour with my partner as a different kind of date night and may I say it was an excellent choice. Entertaining, informative and time to chat with each other while walking between the sites. You can tell she’s passionate and knowledgeable about her subject while taking some sly comic swipes at society past and present. A bargain when I think what I pay for some west end “entertainment”!
Entertaining and educational tour featuring London's forgotten characters
davejA7244LF,Sep 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the Goal Birds of Old London tour. Our guide Maria provided a fascinating account of some of London's forgotten (in)famous women of their time, together with scenes from their lives played out in front of us with the help of her assistant. The tour centres on the conditions in which the women lived as well as simply their crimes, so was a welcome change from more sensational tours which focus only on the blood and guts. Would definitely recommend these tours to anyone interested in exploring more of London and its history, but with an entertaining twist!
Highly recommended!
vikkio839,Sep 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous tour! Entertaining, informative and occasionally heart wrenching. Maria is a born storyteller! My friends and family all had a brilliant time.
Best walking tour in London
684sineadv,Aug 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best tour in London! Maria and her team are MASTER storytellers. This tour tells the dark side of London, and I LOVED the focus on women and their experiences in times past. The added moments of acting and comedy (dark humour!) was really fun, and we saw some beautiful views of the City and the river along the way, finishing up in a lovely old pub for a pint afterwards. Would highly recommend for a really alternative night out experience in London.
Operated by Herstorical Tours