What You Will Do
Explore the fascinating interplay of money, magic, and power through the lens of London’s iconic financial district—the Square Mile. On this walking tour, uncover what money truly is at its essence and track its incredible journey from ancient clay to digital tablets. Discover how myth, ritual, and commerce have shaped the City of London into a global powerhouse.
Tour Highlights:
- Step inside a hidden Roman temple, where the Sun God points to the origins of banking and the roots of money.
- Discover why, in the City of London, money really does grow on trees.
- Traverse the winding backstreets and secret alleys of the Square Mile to follow the remarkable evolution of money—from clay tablets to digital ledgers—and see how wars, technology, and philosophy have shaped the global financial system.
- Demystify the very nature of money, exploring its journey as both a tool and a symbol.
Perfect for curious travellers and history enthusiasts alike.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
We meet outside the Pret.
You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a felt image of a green dragon on my backpack.
1
The Guild Church of ST Mary Aldermary
10 minutes
See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.
2
Royal Exchange Building London
10 minutes
Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
3
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
20 minutes
Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.
4
St Edmund, King and Martyr Church
10 minutes
It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.
5
Jamaica Wine House
5 minutes
Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.
6
Change Alley
10 minutes
This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.
7
Bank of England Museum
20 minutes
We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.
8
Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
5 minutes
How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.
9
Statue of James Henry Greathead
10 minutes
We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.
10
St. Mary Woolnoth Church
10 minutes
This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.
11
Lloyds Building
10 minutes
How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.
12
Plantation Lane
5 minutes
This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.
13
Leadenhall Market
10 minutes
We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!
14
Fen Court Garden
10 minutes
Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
15
Garden at 120
10 minutes
We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.
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