Empire, War, and People: Walks Through London’s Past
Explore London’s past on foot: from monarchy and empire to protest, migration, war, culture, and modern identity. Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This eight-week guided walking course introduces learners to London’s historic, political, and cultural locations. Every week we explore and examine how the city evolved: from Roman commerce and medieval authority, to Victorian reform, wartime resilience, migration, and contemporary identity.
Learners will encounter iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites while discussing themes such as monarchy, democracy, poverty, empire, women’s history, and post-war reconstruction. The course encourages curiosity, critical reflection, and a deeper understanding of how London’s past continues to inform the capital’s social fabric and national significance today.
What will we cover?
Westminster’s evolution from royal and religious centre to the heart of parliamentary democracy.
Roman London, the Great Fire, trade, banking, and the rebuilding of the City.
Victorian poverty, philanthropy, and the origins of social reform.
Covent Garden’s transformation from market hub to cultural district.
The Blitz, civil defence, and Londoners’ wartime experiences.
Post-war urban planning, social housing, and the Festival of Britain.
Women, migrants, and minority communities: hidden histories and activism.
Memory, commemoration, diversity, and contemporary identity in modern London
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand how London’s historic and political landscape reflects the development of Britain.
Explore key themes in London’s history including monarchy, democracy, protest, empire, and culture.
Interpret and discuss historic sites with confidence and curiosity.
Appreciate how London’s past continues to shape its identity and society today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Introductory - no prior knowledge is required. An interest in the topic and ability to follow the tutor's health and safety guidance when out and about are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Guided tours. Optional reading.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please wear suitable clothing/footwear for walking around London.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Stephen runs a number of walks. Please see our London Walks area for further details.
Dr Stephen Goss is a former lecturer in history at Queen’s University Belfast. A published academic, his area of focus is 19th and 20th Century British, Irish and European history, specialising in the Cold War. Previously a Life-long Learning Lecturer at Stranmillis University College, he is now an Expert Tour Guide at the Imperial War Museum and Churchill War Rooms, and has been a popular speaker in museums, historical societies, u3a, Probus, and the Women's Institute for over fifteen years. Stephen has also conducted policy and research for Campaign for Better Transport and writes regularly for a leading independent news and analysis site on Northern Irish current affairs.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.</p>003036988Empire, War, and People: Walks Through London’s Past249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/advanced-history-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriOff SiteAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLW303249249Empire, War, and People: Walks Through London’s Past199162249Stephen Gossempire-war-and-people-walks-through-london-s-past/hlw303-2627<p>Explore London’s past on foot: from monarchy and empire to protest, migration, war, culture, and modern identity. Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>This eight-week guided walking course introduces learners to London’s historic, political, and cultural locations. Every week we explore and examine how the city evolved: from Roman commerce and medieval authority, to Victorian reform, wartime resilience, migration, and contemporary identity.</p><p>Learners will encounter iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites while discussing themes such as monarchy, democracy, poverty, empire, women’s history, and post-war reconstruction. The course encourages curiosity, critical reflection, and a deeper understanding of how London’s past continues to inform the capital’s social fabric and national significance today.</p><p></p><p>Explore London’s past on foot: from monarchy and empire to protest, migration, war, culture, and modern identity. Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.</p><ul><li>Westminster’s evolution from royal and religious centre to the heart of parliamentary democracy.</li><li>Roman London, the Great Fire, trade, banking, and the rebuilding of the City.</li><li>Victorian poverty, philanthropy, and the origins of social reform.</li><li>Covent Garden’s transformation from market hub to cultural district.</li><li>The Blitz, civil defence, and Londoners’ wartime experiences.</li><li>Post-war urban planning, social housing, and the Festival of Britain.</li><li>Women, migrants, and minority communities: hidden histories and activism.</li><li>Memory, commemoration, diversity, and contemporary identity in modern London</li></ul><ul><li>Understand how London’s historic and political landscape reflects the development of Britain.</li><li>Explore key themes in London’s history including monarchy, democracy, protest, empire, and culture.</li><li>Interpret and discuss historic sites with confidence and curiosity.</li><li>Appreciate how London’s past continues to shape its identity and society today.</li></ul><p>Introductory - no prior knowledge is required. An interest in the topic and ability to follow the tutor's health and safety guidance when out and about are the only requirements.</p><p>Guided tours. Optional reading.</p><p>Please wear suitable clothing/footwear for walking around London.</p><p>Stephen runs a number of walks. Please see our London Walks area for further details.</p>HistoryLondon history & walksvirtual199249162HLW303NONEFri25/09/26 - 13/11/2611:00 - 13:0011:0013:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayOSOff SiteStephen GossBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities249249Empire, War, and People: Walks Through London’s Pastempire-war-and-people-walks-through-london-s-past/hlw303-2627<p>Explore London’s past on foot: from monarchy and empire to protest, migration, war, culture, and modern identity. Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>This eight-week guided walking course introduces learners to London’s historic, political, and cultural locations. Every week we explore and examine how the city evolved: from Roman commerce and medieval authority, to Victorian reform, wartime resilience, migration, and contemporary identity.</p><p>Learners will encounter iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites while discussing themes such as monarchy, democracy, poverty, empire, women’s history, and post-war reconstruction. The course encourages curiosity, critical reflection, and a deeper understanding of how London’s past continues to inform the capital’s social fabric and national significance today.</p><p></p><p>Explore London’s past on foot: from monarchy and empire to protest, migration, war, culture, and modern identity. Discover how the city’s streets reflect and have shaped Britain across two thousand years.</p><ul><li>Westminster’s evolution from royal and religious centre to the heart of parliamentary democracy.</li><li>Roman London, the Great Fire, trade, banking, and the rebuilding of the City.</li><li>Victorian poverty, philanthropy, and the origins of social reform.</li><li>Covent Garden’s transformation from market hub to cultural district.</li><li>The Blitz, civil defence, and Londoners’ wartime experiences.</li><li>Post-war urban planning, social housing, and the Festival of Britain.</li><li>Women, migrants, and minority communities: hidden histories and activism.</li><li>Memory, commemoration, diversity, and contemporary identity in modern London</li></ul><ul><li>Understand how London’s historic and political landscape reflects the development of Britain.</li><li>Explore key themes in London’s history including monarchy, democracy, protest, empire, and culture.</li><li>Interpret and discuss historic sites with confidence and curiosity.</li><li>Appreciate how London’s past continues to shape its identity and society today.</li></ul><p>Introductory - no prior knowledge is required. An interest in the topic and ability to follow the tutor's health and safety guidance when out and about are the only requirements.</p><p>Guided tours. Optional reading.</p><p>Please wear suitable clothing/footwear for walking around London.</p><p>Stephen runs a number of walks. Please see our London Walks area for further details.</p>HistoryLondon history & walksconfigurable
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