Published: 17/04/2026
A group of 22, inspired by our January zoom talk on Dick Whittington, met Sue Jackson, a Blue Badge Guide, outside Farringdon station. How lucky we were with the spring sunshine and blue sky which made the garden square outside the Charter House particularly enticing.
While Sue pointed out places associated with Dick and commented on his highly successful life in the Mercers’ Company (FYO, there’s no evidence of his early poverty and cat), she showed us many things of interest, including St Bartholomew the Great church, formerly a monastery. This was built in 1123 and is the oldest surviving building in the City of London. It seemed such a calm place spanning the different centuries. We spent some time outside St Bart’s Hospital which has a view across to the magnificent structure of the now unused Smithfield Market. The enormous square between the two was a place for livestock sales, medieval fairs, jousting and public executions.
Wending our way past several livery companies and after stopping in front of The Goldsmiths’ Hall and then The Guildhall, we finished the walk at St Paul’s Cathedral. People dispersed for lunch before the return home. Join us next time; there’s a wealth of things to explore and see in the City of London.
D Clifton
