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City of London’s History of Money & Power
Experience a self‑guided journey through the City of London, where money and power intertwine amid history, mythology and financial innovation.
Using clear on‑screen directions (with optional audio narration where available), you’ll discover money not just as a tool of trade but as a symbol and shared story—an invisible thread linking creation myths, systems of governance and changing ideas of value.
As you follow the route at your own pace, you’ll explore how power arises from collective belief and action, and how the ongoing tension between wisdom and greed, creation and destruction, still shapes the City’s hidden dynamics today.
The City of London's story of money and power from Babylon to Bitcoin
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Explore the City of London at your own pace, following a route where ancient gods, medieval merchants and modern bankers all share the same streets. On this self‑guided experience, you’ll trace the evolution of money from clay tablets and temple offerings to paper promises and invisible digital entries, visiting Roman ruins, Wren churches, coffee houses, markets and glass‑and‑steel towers along the way.
With clear directions and stop‑by‑stop commentary, you’ll slip into alleys, churchyards and former trading floors to uncover how symbols, rituals and stories about value shaped everything from imperial expansion to everyday life. Instead of following a group, you choose the timing, dwell as long as you like in each place, and use the audio and on‑screen notes to unpack money as both a practical tool and a powerful form of shared imagination—asking where power really comes from and how unseen forces still influence the world’s financial heart.
Designed for curious minds, history lovers and seekers of deeper meaning, this self‑guided tour blends storytelling, philosophy and concrete locations into a flexible experience, turning the City of London into your personal laboratory of money and power.
Route
- St Mary Aldermary | Entrance - Free / IncludedWe start with esoteric origins of money in The Oldest Mary Church
- Forgotten Streams | Entrance - Free / IncludedAn art piece for one of the forgotten rivers, which serves our story too
- Bloomberg Building | Entrance - Free / IncludedHow the story of ancient Sun god links the City to Babylon and the story of Money and power
- London Mithraeum | Entrance - Free / IncludedImmersive displays of artifacts and rituals tied to Londinium’s mercantile past.
- Royal Exchange | Outside visitFounded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor.
- Bank of England – Front doors | Outside visitAt the doors of the Bank of England, crusader‑era banking, Eastern transfer systems, and ancient protective symbols converge.
- Pope’s Head Alley | Outside visitIn Pope’s Head Alley, papal and pharaonic symbols, medieval religious rules on interest
- St Edmund Martyr on Lombard Street | Outside visitChurch dedicated to England's last King & Martyr
- George Yard | Outside visitA revolution took place in and around this once financial hub of unprecedented scale!
- Jamaica Wine House | Outside visitThe Oldest coffee shop in England!
- St Michael’s Church, Cornhill | Outside visitOn perhaps the oldest site site of christian worship we discuss the dirty business of Indulgences
- Change Alley | Outside visitChange Alley’s packed coffeehouses saw the birth of organised stock trading, insurance markets, and speculative manias, culminating in the South Sea Bubble whose debts echoed into the modern era.
- 12 Lamp Posts of the Great Livery Companies | Outside visitThe 12 Great Livery Companies who forged London’s early economy, money markets, and trust-based banking system.
- Bank of England | Outside visitThe Bank of England, founded in 1694 amid civil war, revolution, and regime change, became the prototype for modern central banks
- James Henry Greathead Statue (Cornhill) | Outside visitA symbol of both British ingenuity and the Industrial revolution
- Duke of Wellington Statue (Bank Junction) | Outside visitWar is now won with money not just guns
- St Mary Woolnoth | Entrance - Free / IncludedNewton a former slave trader turned abolitionist, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, served as the Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth for 28 years.
- Leadenhall Market – Dragons & Bulls | Entrance - Free / IncludedWhere we find the truth of money
- Lloyd’s of London (Lime Street) | Outside visitThis industrial style building tells the story of the East india company
- The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) | Outside visitWe tell the story of another unprecedented revolution outside this symbol of the City's financial status.
- St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate | Outside visitWe conclude our story as we link our story with ancient origins to the present day: Bitcoin.
St Mary Aldermary, Bow Ln, London EC4M 9BW
Bloomberg Arcade, 3 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4N 8AA.
3 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4TQ
London Mithraeum, Bloomberg SPACE, 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA
1 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3DG.
Bank of England on Threadnedle Street ((EC2R 8AH)
4 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR, UK
St Edmund, King and Martyr, Lombard Street, London EC3V 9EA, United Kingdom
1 George Yard, City of London, London EC3V 9DH, United Kingdom
Jamaica Wine House, St Michael’s Alley, London EC3V 9DS, United Kingdom
St Michael’s Cornhill, St Michael’s Alley, London EC3V 9DS, United Kingdom
Change Alley, City of London, London EC3V, United Kingdom
London EC3V 3LL
Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH
Bank Junction, City of London, London EC4N 8BH, United Kingdom
St Mary Woolnoth, Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AN, United Kingdom
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom
Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA, United Kingdom
St Helen’s Bishopsgate, Great St Helen’s, London EC3A 6AT, United Kingdom
Language options available
- English:
- French:
Booking & Availabilty
Self-guide - Per Person
Our self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace using your own device. With clear directions and rich on-page storytelling, you’ll enjoy:
- Flexible start times and no fixed schedule
- Stop-by-stop guidance with maps and location details
- Deeper commentary you can read (and where available, listen to) as you go
£11.00
Booking form
Per Person – Self‑Guided Tour (Digital)
What Our Customers Are Saying
- The best of all the city walks I did so far. I had a wonderful afternoon with Arjun! One afternoon full of surprises, joy, knowledge and discovery! The best of all the city walks I did so far. Arjun is such a great person, he gives an overall and complete explanation of historical background, and still can focus on one or... More reviewsI had a wonderful afternoon with Arjun! One afternoon full of surprises, joy, knowledge and discovery! The best of all the city walks I did so far. Arjun is such a great person, he gives an overall and complete explanation of historical background, and still can focus on one or two subjects with precision, really good job ! I discovered the city and learned a lot from all points of view, will come back to the places he showed me today. Thank you very much Arjun, it is a perfect afternoon!
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Julie4/01/2024City of London Mythology tour - very interesting This is a great tour if you’re looking for something a bit different. Full of iconography, our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts & perspectives on history & the events that makes London City what it is today. We went on a Sunday, two stops... More reviewsThis is a great tour if you’re looking for something a bit different. Full of iconography, our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts & perspectives on history & the events that makes London City what it is today. We went on a Sunday, two stops on the journey were closed but this was made up in extra time at other sites and images provided of the closed venues. Overall, very enjoyable! read less Julie4/23/2024A very entertaining guided walk by Arjun A very entertaining guided walk by Arjun who has a deep and extensive knowledge of the subject and of the history and geography of the City of London. I was born in Central London and have worked in the area covered by the tour, but I was unaware of much... More reviewsA very entertaining guided walk by Arjun who has a deep and extensive knowledge of the subject and of the history and geography of the City of London. I was born in Central London and have worked in the area covered by the tour, but I was unaware of much of that which Arjun discussed and showed me. For example, I was unaware of the existence the London Stone which I used to regularly walk past. I can thoroughly recommend Arjun as a guide. read less Keith9/30/2024 - A new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. Arjun led a fantastic tour. Both my wife and I had visited London before but Arjun's tour gave us not only a new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. We saw several sites unknown to many guidebooks. He was very knowledgable and a fantastic storyteller.... More reviewsArjun led a fantastic tour. Both my wife and I had visited London before but Arjun's tour gave us not only a new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. We saw several sites unknown to many guidebooks. He was very knowledgable and a fantastic storyteller. Highly recommend the tour for history buffs, myth lovers and lay people alike. read less Sasha2/04/2025Finding Ancient Times The most interesting part of this tour was the hidden Roman Temple. Who knew that there is still so much evidence of Roman times hidden under modern London. The leisurely pace was nice and out guide was knowledgeable about the symbolism used throughout history. This was an enjoyable activity away... More reviewsThe most interesting part of this tour was the hidden Roman Temple. Who knew that there is still so much evidence of Roman times hidden under modern London. The leisurely pace was nice and out guide was knowledgeable about the symbolism used throughout history. This was an enjoyable activity away from the crowds. read less Linda7/23/2023This tour will give you a new perspective on The City of London. Arjun was passionate and well researched about the content of his tour. The tour didn't feel rushed or impersonal. Instead, it was like taking a walk with a friend chatting about a subject they are really interested in. Whether you are familiar with esoteric symbolism, or not, this tour will... More reviewsArjun was passionate and well researched about the content of his tour. The tour didn't feel rushed or impersonal. Instead, it was like taking a walk with a friend chatting about a subject they are really interested in. Whether you are familiar with esoteric symbolism, or not, this tour will give you a new perspective on The City of London. read less Mike12/01/2023
- A unique perspective on the role the dragon Arjun has an incredible understanding and unique perspective on the role the dragon has played throughout history in conjunction with the cosmos. He shows you what most would miss in plain sight which gives you a new understanding and perspective of history and yourself as a human being. I would... More reviewsArjun has an incredible understanding and unique perspective on the role the dragon has played throughout history in conjunction with the cosmos. He shows you what most would miss in plain sight which gives you a new understanding and perspective of history and yourself as a human being. I would definitely recommend this tour! read less Jacob10/24/2024Made it very personable My sister and I found this tour online and booked on a whim. We were in London for a few days and wanted to do some fun sightseeing. This tour far exceeded what we could have ever dreamed of! To say it was magical is an understatement. Our guide, Arjun... More reviewsMy sister and I found this tour online and booked on a whim. We were in London for a few days and wanted to do some fun sightseeing. This tour far exceeded what we could have ever dreamed of! To say it was magical is an understatement. Our guide, Arjun was so knowledgeable, fun, interesting and an AMAZING storyteller of all things City of London and its history with the Dragons and much more! We saw and visited places we never would have been able to see or find on our own. We packed a lot into 3 hours and totally got our moneys worth and then some! By the end of the tour we felt like long lost friends and we walked away feeling truly enchanted! This was the highlight of our trip! We will be back to do another tour with Arjun! Highly, highly recommend! This tour is a must! read less Amber7/29/2024Great Tour Arjun has researched and created a walk that spans millennia and weaves an absorbing narrative of London’s complex history. The tale of shifts in power, culture, and development – he easily linking time periods, cultures and historical figures. Obviously passionate about the subject the depth of this tour will only... More reviewsArjun has researched and created a walk that spans millennia and weaves an absorbing narrative of London’s complex history. The tale of shifts in power, culture, and development – he easily linking time periods, cultures and historical figures. Obviously passionate about the subject the depth of this tour will only get better as Arjun fine tunes his fascinating chronicle. Highly recommended. read less Ronnie Reid3/22/2025
- Well researched, interesting, adventurous ! The London Mystical Tour was the best tour I did so far :) Arjun is such a kind guide and seems to be born as an encyclopaedia cause he could tell a well researched, profound story to everything we were interested in on the way. What stuck out to me... More reviewsThe London Mystical Tour was the best tour I did so far :) Arjun is such a kind guide and seems to be born as an encyclopaedia cause he could tell a well researched, profound story to everything we were interested in on the way. What stuck out to me as well, has been his great passion and interest in the content of the tour. I enjoyed to learn the meaning and background of commonly used symbols in buildings and recognize them anywhere else in architecture and art now :)) read less Sophie4/11/2025One of the most lovely London experiences One of the greatest experiences in London. The tour guide Arjun is a lovely, knowledgeable and very chatty person to be on a tour with. We were five people only and had the time of our lives by getting to know many parts of London and stories you wouldn't get... More reviewsOne of the greatest experiences in London. The tour guide Arjun is a lovely, knowledgeable and very chatty person to be on a tour with. We were five people only and had the time of our lives by getting to know many parts of London and stories you wouldn't get otherwise. Arjun chatted with us on whatever came to our mind between the sights and we had such great talks about a plethora of things. If you are into mythical stuff, history, symbols, gods and mysteries besides the dragons and into finding hidden places in London, this is for you! Thanks a lot for that great experience. read less Oskar Leonard Baron10/29/2024Beautiful! We had an amazing time on a walking tour exploring London’s historical and mystical sites. Arjul was an exceptional guide, combining his deep knowledge with an engaging storytelling style that made the city’s past feel alive.
What stood out the most was the way Arjul encouraged us to notice the small,... More reviewsWe had an amazing time on a walking tour exploring London’s historical and mystical sites. Arjul was an exceptional guide, combining his deep knowledge with an engaging storytelling style that made the city’s past feel alive.
What stood out the most was the way Arjul encouraged us to notice the small, often overlooked details—each one holding its own story or significance. His ability to weave together history and mystery was both fascinating and inspiring.
The tour offered a perfect mix of insight and intrigue, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for London. If you’re looking for a guide who will open your eyes to the city in a completely new way, we highly recommend this tour. read less D. Bruno11/18/2024 - Dragons are everywhere ... if you know where to look! Whether you're into dragons or just want to get to know the treasures and history located in and around the square mile of the City of London a bit better, this tour will not disappoint. Go on this well-researched, engaging, and thought-provoking tour and uncover hidden gems from history, symbolism,... More reviewsWhether you're into dragons or just want to get to know the treasures and history located in and around the square mile of the City of London a bit better, this tour will not disappoint. Go on this well-researched, engaging, and thought-provoking tour and uncover hidden gems from history, symbolism, and many overlapping cultural traditions. Wear good walking shoes. Highly recommended. read less Leon3/14/2024Wow! Most unique tour of London Our whole family throroughly enjoyed the unique city of London tour with Arjun. We booked a private tour after our friend recommended Arjun, but we asked him for a mix of historical and mystical (bespoke tour), and he delivered! The information he shared was intriguing and interesting to both our... More reviewsOur whole family throroughly enjoyed the unique city of London tour with Arjun. We booked a private tour after our friend recommended Arjun, but we asked him for a mix of historical and mystical (bespoke tour), and he delivered! The information he shared was intriguing and interesting to both our children (11 and 15) and us adults. Arjun is a truly gifted guide and a lovely human being as well. He was very accommodating, flexible and generous with his time and knowledge! We would love to catch up h him again in London or any of the other locations he explores!
Highly recommend if you want a unique and deeper experience of London! read less Mireille Azar8/02/2025The best tour we've ever been on! Arjun's knowledge and detail throughout the tour was excellent. He listened to our questions intently and provided such rich information about all the different sites across the tour amazingly well. It was a great afternoon of insights, conversation and inspiration to learn more about the incredible history and hidden stories... More reviewsArjun's knowledge and detail throughout the tour was excellent. He listened to our questions intently and provided such rich information about all the different sites across the tour amazingly well. It was a great afternoon of insights, conversation and inspiration to learn more about the incredible history and hidden stories all around us. Thanks so much for this tour Arjun, we will be recommending this tour to our friends and family and will likely be coming on another one of DragonLore's tours very soon. Thanks a lot! read less Kobina Elliott10/19/2024 - In somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points. ... More reviewsIn somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points. Through various artefacts, he traced the origins of the financial capital of the world, and innumerable quests for power and influence. This was a very informative and thought-provoking tour and I would highly recommend it! read less Aditi11/03/2024Dragon tour City of London Arjun was a brilliant guide. He is very knowledgeable about the subjects he talks about throughout the tour, which centres around the spiritual connections behind much of the symbolism and iconography throughout the architecture and landmarks within the City. I really appreciated that although he had much knowledge to share,... More reviewsArjun was a brilliant guide. He is very knowledgeable about the subjects he talks about throughout the tour, which centres around the spiritual connections behind much of the symbolism and iconography throughout the architecture and landmarks within the City. I really appreciated that although he had much knowledge to share, he also intuitively allowed us the space to contemplate the spaces and topics for ourselves during moments in between, and did not try to cram too much in and nothing felt forced. The pace was easy to follow and very easy to walk. read less Alice6/11/2025Nous n’avons pas vu le temps passer et j’en garderai un très bon souvenir La visite était super intéressante et le guide très cultivé ! J’ai trouvé qu'il était assez facile de le comprendre même quand on est pas bilingue, mais il y avait quand même du vocabulaire un peu technique par moments. Nous sommes passés par des endroits insolites et avons pu comprendre... More reviewsLa visite était super intéressante et le guide très cultivé ! J’ai trouvé qu'il était assez facile de le comprendre même quand on est pas bilingue, mais il y avait quand même du vocabulaire un peu technique par moments. Nous sommes passés par des endroits insolites et avons pu comprendre l’histoire et l’origine des dragons de Londres, c'était très chouette ! Nous n’avons pas vu le temps passer et j’en garderai un très bon souvenir
read less Gwen1/01/2025
