Plan Your Visit
14.09.2023 – 16.09.2023

Markets, Merriment and Mayhem – Week 3

Book now

Presented by the City Guides

Join the City Guides on walks around the City to explore the riotous spirit and events over the ages, where entertainment, protest and colourful characters abound.

Bartholomew Fair began in the middle ages and lasted until the 1850’s. For two weeks every summer in Smithfield it was legendary as a selling fair but also a place of entertainment and public disorder. Less well-known are the other places across the City where such things went on.

This is the final walk in the series over three weeks as part of the City of London's reimagining of Bartholomew Fair. Come and explore some rollicking, riotous spots with an official City Guide on these limited edition, free walks.

Entertainment, riots and mayhem were the fall-out from many a Fair. We stroll from a fish market, to a “Bishop’s gate” through fire, fowl, markets, maypoles and murder, notwithstanding naughty nuns. Come and explore where markets, turmoil and amusement once rubbed shoulders.

Dates/times:

14 - 15 September: 2:30pm & 6pm

16 September: 11:30am & 2:30pm

Location: Meet outside Monument Underground Station (Fish Street Hill exit)

Duration: 1.5 hours

What to expect: Guided walking tour / Free ticketed event / Limited capacity

Free but booking essential

tour guide

© Niki Gorrick

About the City Guides

The City Guides are the Official Guides to the City of London. The professional association, the CLGLA, was founded in 1983 to promote and maintain a high standard of guiding in, and lecturing about, the City of London. City Guides offer regular walks and tours on almost every day of the year and work with organisations to create bespoke tours for events, programmes, anniversaries etc . All Guides are qualified, accredited, insured and passionate about sharing the City’ history and culture.

‘Excellent, informative and told me things about London I’ve never heard after working there for 20 years+.’

'Wildly exceeded expectations!'

‘Amusing, interesting and surprising. Will definitely book another tour with City of London Guides.’

‘Customised the entire experience into an unforgettable day.’

Listing location

Related events