Walking Westminster's Political History
First meeting place: Outside Westminster tube, Bridge Street.
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- Start Date: 09 Sep 2025End Date: 07 Oct 2025Tue (Daytime): 11:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
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What is the course about?
How England and Britain developed politically in the last 360 years through distinct geographical areas and themes in the borough of Westminster in a dramatic and fun way. To show how epic events and great charismatic leaders and the emergence of key institutions influenced that development. How the wider society and culture of those areas and their built environment emerged at the same time.
What will we cover?
Through Westminster and St James’s, the great constitutional and cultural changes brought in by the late 1600s laying the basis of our modern politics. In Mayfair, how a modern political system struggles to emerge, corrupt as it was, with campaigns for reform and within the context of the rising empire and wars. The event of the burning down of the Houses of Parliament and its wider political context and the evolution of parliament. Nineteenth century social development in Marylebone. Finally, in Belgravia, considering Britain’s position over two hundred years of wars and diplomacy in the context of ebbing and flowing great empires and power blocks.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Recognise some of the great reforms that have moulded the political system today, eg, voting reform, social provision and justice.
-To become familiar with the main players that influenced the key changes from Charles 2 to Charles James Fox or Lord Shaftesbury.
-To get a sense of how the development of these London areas have been moulded by these themes.
-To be inspired to follow-up the knowledge acquired on the tour to explore certain museums, historic houses, reading and other sites on their own initiative – in particular as this course will be by no means a comprehensive coverage of these subjects..- Recognise some of the great reforms that have moulded the political system today, eg, voting reform, social provision and justice.
-To become familiar with the main players that influenced the key changes from Charles 2 to Charles James Fox or Lord Shaftesbury.
-To get a sense of how the development of these London areas have been moulded by these themes.
-To be inspired to follow-up the knowledge acquired on the tour to explore certain museums, historic houses, reading and other sites on their own initiative – in particular as this course will be by no means a comprehensive coverage of these subjects..
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some basic knowledge of British history would be helpful, with a great interest to learn more and follow up that knowledge in exploring its sites, museums, galleries further.
An ability to participate in a 2 hour moderately paced guided walk.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
By a series of six walking tours on Tuesday mornings from 11am – 1pm.By a series of six walking tours on Tuesday mornings from 11am – 1pm.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for London's weather in autumn.Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for London's weather in autumn.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other London guided walks.Please see the City Lit website for details.
Richard has been a professional history tour guide for the last ten years. He qualified as a City of Westminster Guide in 2012. Since then, he has gained a wide range of experience in guiding and museums work: He has devised, researched and led a series of original walks around Westminster and further afield in London, adapting many into virtual tours. He leads tours around London on an open top Routemaster bus and coach tours out of town to Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor, around Kent and other places. He volunteered or worked in many museums including the Foundling Museum, the Royal College of Physicians and the Crystal Palace Museum – of which he is a trustee and tour guide for the Museum. And Richard has given several illustrated talks to University of the 3rd Age and other local history groups as well as being interviewed on Radio Berkshire and appeared on Walking Victorian Britain on Channel 5 Select among other media appearances. Richard is passionate about the history of London and sharing this on his tours- where history actually happened, the signs of every-day living and lesser known historic characters as well as broader historical shifts.
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.