City of London Money, Magic and Power Walking Tour

Discover the fascinating interplay of money, magic, and power in the City of London, a place where history, mythology, and financial innovation converge. This walking tour begins at St Mary Aldermary Church, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, setting the stage for an exploration of themes that have shaped human civilization.

Through centuries of evolution, money has served as both a tool and a symbol—an invisible thread connecting stories of creation, governance, and value. Power emerges from collective vision and action, while magic represents the unseen forces that shape our world. Together, these forces reveal the ongoing battle between wisdom and greed, creation and destruction.

Coming soon! Enquire now!

The City of London is steeped in history that resonates far beyond its borders. On this tour, you’ll explore how money has evolved over time—from ancient systems to modern finance—and uncover key themes that have influenced its development: technology, wars, sovereignty, greed, and philosophy.

A highlight of this journey is an ancient Roman temple hidden in the heart of the city. This site serves as a powerful link to Babylon, a civilization that laid the foundations for many of our systems of trade, governance, and belief. Babylon’s influence echoes through time, shaping ideas about wealth, power, and societal order that still resonate today.

This tour offers a unique perspective on how ancient myths and historical events have shaped London into a global center of commerce and innovation.

Meeting point

Address: 95 Cannon St, City of London, London EC4N 5AE

We meet outside the Pret.
You will recognize me by my long hair and beard and I usually have a black ruck-sack with a green dragon (st George) on the back 🙂

Link to Map

End point

Address: The Garden at 120, 120 Fenchurch St, City of London, London, UK

Link to map

  • London Mithraeum (Bloomberg Building)
    A reconstructed 3rd-century Roman temple to the god Mithras, discovered in 1954. Features immersive displays of artifacts and rituals tied to Londinium’s mercantile past.
  • Royal Exchange
    Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
  • Duke of Wellington Statue (Bank Junction)
    Commemorates Wellington’s role in passing the 1827 London Bridge Approaches Act. Cast from captured French cannons; serves as a ventilation shaft for Bank Station.
  • James Henry Greathead Statue (Cornhill)
    Honors the engineer behind London’s tunneling shield technology. The plinth conceals a ventilation shaft for the Underground, added post-1987 King’s Cross fire reforms.
  • Bank of England – Tivoli Corner
    A curved neoclassical façade inspired by Rome’s Temple of Vesta. Part of Sir John Soane’s original design, later altered by Herbert Baker in the 1930s.
  • Bank of England Museum
    Traces the Bank’s evolution since 1694. Highlights include gold bars, historic banknotes, and interactive exhibits on monetary policy.
  • Cornhill
    One of London’s oldest streets, named for its grain market. Home to the 17th-century Jamaica Wine House, once a coffeehouse pivotal to financial networking.
  • Lombard Street
    Medieval banking hub marked by golden grasshopper signs (symbol of the Mercers’ Company). Linked to Lloyd’s of London’s origins in 1688.
  • Change Alley
    18th-century hotspot for stockbrokers and speculative trading, precursor to modern stock exchanges.
  • St Mary Woolnoth
    Hawksmoor-designed church with ties to abolitionist William Wilberforce. Built over a Roman burial site; crypts repurposed for Underground ventilation.
  • London Stone (Cannon Street)
    Ancient mystical London Stone that some say London falls if removed.
  • King William Street & Monument
    Route shaped by post-Great Fire urban planning. The Monument’s 202 steps symbolize the 202-foot distance from its base to the 1666 fire’s start.
  • Coal Exchange (St Mary at Hill)
    Victorian-era trading floor for coal contracts, demolished in the 1960s. Fragments remain near St Mary’s Church.
  • Dunstan in the East
    Bombed Wren church turned public garden. Symbolizes the City’s resilience and adaptive reuse of sacred spaces.
  • Eastcheap
    Historic meat market street, now lined with global finance offices. Contrasts medieval commerce with modern capital flows.
  • Plantation Lane Street Art
    Murals reflecting London’s colonial past and financial ties to transatlantic trade.
  • Philpot Lane (East India Company Residence)
    Site of the East India Company’s 17th-century headquarters, pivotal in Britain’s imperial economy.
  • Leadenhall Market – Dragons & Bulls
    Victorian market with medieval roots. Dragon motifs nod to the City’s coat of arms; site of Roman Londinium’s forum.
  • Lloyd’s of London (Lime Street)
    Richard Rogers’ postmodern building, housing the insurance market. Stands on the East India Company’s former trading floor.
  • Fen Court Garden
    Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The Garden at 120
    Rooftop garden atop Fen Court, offering panoramic views of the Square Mile’s skyscrapers and historic spires.

 

  1. Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
    Yes
  2. Is the tour suitable for pets?
    No
  3. Does the tour require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses?
    No
  4. Do you accept any kind of electronic payment?
    Yes via Paypal we can accept the main forms of electronic payments
    Cryptocurrency is possible – Contact to enquire

Pricing

Per Person

Join fellow dragon enthusiasts on our scheduled group tours. This option provides:
  • A cost-effective way to experience our tours
  • Opportunities to meet like-minded travelers
  • A balanced itinerary covering key sites and stories
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a social experience.

Click to book now
from £17.50 £15

Private

Our private tours offer the ultimate personalized experience for individuals, families, or groups. With a dedicated guide, you’ll enjoy:
  • Flexibility to customize the itinerary
  • More exploration at your own pace
  • Opportunity for more intimate discussions and questions
Perfect for those seeking a tailored adventure or celebrating special occasions
Click to book now
from £175 £165

Pricing for Virtual Tours

en_GBEnglish