Join Sylvia, your engaging and knowledgeable guide, as she brings Dickens' London to life. Through her vivid storytelling, you will step into the world of The Rookery and Seven Dials, where the city's poorest struggled to survive. Hear powerful tales of resilience, including the extraordinary women of the Endell Street Military Hospital, who defied expectations to save lives during wartime.

As you meander from the bustling Tottenham Court Road to the tranquil sanctuary of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, your curious mind will be transported to the vivid world of Charles Dickens and the vibrant tapestry of Victorian working-class life.

Embark on a captivating walking tour through the enchanting backstreets of St Giles in the Fields, where the hidden secrets of The Rookery and Seven Dials slums await your discovery. As you meander from the bustling Tottenham Court Road to the tranquil sanctuary of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, your curious mind will be transported to the vivid world of Charles Dickens and the vibrant tapestry of Victorian working-class life.

As you wander the streets, Sylvia will point out a fascinating mix of architecture, from the historic St. Giles Church and the striking Resurrection Gate to the modern Renzo Piano St. Giles building. You'll also visit a humble nineteenth-century schoolhouse, now a safe haven run by St. Mungo’s charity, supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Witness the astounding transformation of the Seven Dials area, once plagued by slums and warehouses, now blossoming into a vibrant and eclectic shopping district reminiscent of Barcelona, with Neal's Yard serving as its crowning jewel. Your mind will be brimming with tales of both benevolence and adversity, as you delve into the lives of those who shaped and left their indelible mark on this ever-evolving landscape.

Your journey commences at Tin Pan Alley, where you will be introduced to the musical heritage of the 1800s, the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, and witness the fascinating transformation that has occurred in recent years. Explore the historic St Giles in the Fields Church and the adjacent Resurrection Gate, steeped in the legacies of Queen Mathilda, the leprosy hospital, and the poignant history of public executions. Marvel at the architectural prowess of Renzo Piano's building, while unravelling the secrets of its predecessor during the 1950s and Victorian era.

Continue your exploration through Betterton Street, a window into the notorious Rookery with its infamous reputation, teeming with Irish navvies and evoking vivid imagery from Dickens' "Sketches of Boz." Learn about the middle-class fear of disease and robbery, exemplified by the infamous Rat's Castle in Ivy Street. Delve into the rich history of the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, an architectural gem designed by Peto, with a deep-rooted commitment to serving the poor, evident even today with its soup kitchen.

As you reach the magnificent Endell Street St. Giles National School building, a neo-gothic masterpiece designed by Edward Middleton Barry, witness the transformation of slum children's lives and how it has been repurposed as St. Mungo's, offering refuge and sustenance through its basement soup kitchen. Discover the awe-inspiring story of the Endell Street military hospital, run entirely by women during World War I, a groundbreaking moment in women's medical history, marking the end of the war and a profound shift in societal norms.

Pause at Thomas Neal's sign and Seven Dials market, where the echoes of a bygone era resonate through the remnants of breweries, warehouses, and the once-declining slum area. Unearth the fascinating history of Seven Dials and Thomas Neal, tracing the footsteps of Dickens' walks and the crafty escape routes for thieves through the maze of pubs. Conclude your journey in Neal's Yard, an enchanting enclave born from the visionary mind of Nicolas Saunders, tracing its development from the 1970s to the vibrant present.

At the end of this enthralling walking tour, your mind will be brimming with vivid stories of triumph, hardship, and the indomitable spirit of those who shaped London's landscape. With each step, you will have forged a deeper connection to the past and a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of history that resides in the backstreets of St Giles in the Fields.

With Sylvia’s insight, you’ll discover the stories hidden in London’s streets, making history feel closer than ever.

Tale of Two Slums Tour Reviews:

Martin (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This walking tour was 90 minutes of intrigue. Our guide, Sylvie, was exceptionally knowledgable about the Two Slums and really bought to life through her expert story telling what it was really like back in the 1800's. I'm a Londoner and have lived in our amazing city for over 30 years, having walked most of this route 100's of times, but I learn't a LOT from the tour. I would totally recommend giving it a go."

Ben (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Now my second walk with London Guided Walks and this one was equally engaging and insightful and led superbly by Sylvia who was undeterred by the cold and rain. These walks seem to have a strong emphasis on uncovering the lives of ordinary people, while many others focus on the few royals and gentry deemed 'historymakers'. St Giles is an often overlooked area but it has plenty of interest, not least the incredible and frustrating account of the women who ran the Endell Street Military Hospital."

Carol (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "London Guided Walks are always entertaining and “Tale of Two Slums” did not disappoint. I’m very familiar with the streets around St Giles and Seven Dials and know some of the history but I learned a lot and found myself immersed in the past while appreciating the present"

Club Member (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I really enjoyed this walk - it was great to discover some of the stories behind a part of London I thought that I knew pretty well. Sylvia was an excellent and engaging guide and I will definitely look to do more of the walks."

Ian (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A fascinating walk, especially for those who have read some Dickens’ novels as this is an area he often visited and wrote about. Not a great deal to see in that many of the buildings are now gone, but so much to learn. As always it is such a pleasure to turn a corner and find an old treasure amongst such regeneration. There is not a great deal of walking so this would suit those with mobility issues. As always the guide was so knowledgeable and friendly and I thoroughly recommend it."

Robert (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Sylvia is a great storyteller. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her knowledge brings the walk to life. The bonus was that it was a rare dry and sunny day."

Jane (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Excellent and friendly guide, very knowledgeable about the area. Would recommend."

Victoria (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this walk. Sylvia, our guide, was very lovely and knowledgeable. The walk around Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden was so interesting and she really gave us a flavour of what it must have been like in the slums of London in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The walk was at a gentle pace and wasn't too taxing. My only criticism is that the instructions said to meet at the top of the escalator at exit 4 of TCR station. I could not see any numbered exits and got a bit lost. It might be clearer to say the exit opposite Soho Place Theatre."

Melanie Bermingham (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Sylvia was a very knowledgeable and informative guide. We enjoyed exploring St Giles and Seven Dials with her. Sylvia's engaging commentary really gave us a sense of the past history of the area. A great walk."