London: Money & Power Walking Tour – Babylon to Bitcoin
Description
Explore the fascinating interplay of money, magic, and power through the lens of London’s iconic financial district—the Square Mile. On this walking tour, uncover what money truly is at its essence and track its incredible journey from ancient clay to digital tablets. Discover how myth, ritual, and commerce have shaped the City of London into a global powerhouse. Tour Highlights: - Step inside a hidden Roman temple, where the Sun God points to the origins of banking and the roots of money. - Discover why, in the City of London, money really does grow on trees. - Traverse the winding backstreets and secret alleys of the Square Mile to follow the remarkable evolution of money—from clay tablets to digital ledgers—and see how wars, technology, and philosophy have shaped the global financial system. - Demystify the very nature of money, exploring its journey as both a tool and a symbol. Perfect for curious travellers and history enthusiasts alike.
Tour Options
Itinerary
See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.
Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.
It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.
Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.
This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.
We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.
How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.
We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.
This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.
How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.
This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.
We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!
Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Time for travel time is already included in the total duration
Reviews(6)
This was one of the best guided tours I ever did. It was easy listening and fun understanding better the fascinating history of money told in the amszing city! Arjun was super helpful accomodating a change of timings, respectful with all members of the group and just a real pleasure to be with. Could not recommend more!
Thank you so much, I really appreciated your feedback :)
Arjun led us on a fantastic tour in the city of London. We had many interesting stops learning about the financial history of London - lots of fascinating stories and anecdotes. Would highly recommend for adults and/or teens!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It was an honour to guide you and your family through these stories in the City of London.”
Highly recommend. A very informative tour with a delightful guide, Arjun, who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in sharing his insights. Our 16-year-old daughter, who plans to study economics at university, also loved the tour and took away many valuable ideas. Thank you, Arjun, for a wonderful and inspiring afternoon.
Thank you very much - it was my honour :)
Highly Recommended. A very informative tour with a delightful guide, Arjun, who is very knowledgeable, well prepared and engaging in sharing his insights. Our 16-year-old daughter, who plans to study economics at university, also loved the tour and took away many valuable new ideas. Thank you, Arjun, for a wonderful afternoon.
Thank you for your generous review. It was a joy sharing stories of money and power through history, and engaging with thoughtful guests of all ages. I’m delighted the tour sparked new ideas for your daughter—wishing her well with her future studies!
This tour is a history tour full of information covering thousands of years of trade, bonds and Bank of England history, mixed in with religious beliefs on money and the power of the money holders, plus Kings & Queens impact. If you enjoy historical fun facts around money, this is for you eg where the expression “the short end of the stick” came from.
Your feedback is very much appreciated. Thank you and best wishes.
Very interesting tour. For anyone wants to know about the history of our money system and understand more of (the concept of) money, this is the tour to be.
Thank you Patrick, it was great to be able to do this tour with you :)
