Of Wizards and Wanderings – A Walking Tour Of London

A walk around London could have so much to offer. There is something around each corner for everyone. Each alley is resolute with the history of the years gone by. The walls whisper the sad stories; and the streets yell out memories of the happy ones.

Here’s all that you can encounter on a walking tour of London that is aptly titled ‘Wizards and Wanderings’.

Tower Of London:

Between the year 1381 and 1747, more than a hundred and twenty five people were beheaded right here. Sir Thomas More, the Earl of Monmouth, Thomas Cromwell and Protector Somerset were just some of the names who lost their lives right here and their beheading was like a public spectacle that drew in immense crowds. The last person to be executed here was Lord Lovatt, who died here on the 9th of April in the year 1747. He was, as they say, the last man to ever be beheaded in England.

All Hallows-by-the-Tower:

A lot of important names have stepped the gates here – Bishop Lancelot Andrews and William Penn, to name a few. Incidentally, both of them were even christened here. Judge Jeffries, whom we infamously remember, was married here in the year 1667. The Great Fire of London in the year 1666 affected the tower and all it left were smoldering remains. It is said that a choirmistress haunted the church until she is said to have attended one particular choir rehearsal in the year 1920, after which she was never seen again.

Leadenhall Market:

This is a delightful market place that was designed by the architect Horace Jones in the year 1881. This site could be best described as a place to wander at leisure and to discover the shops and boutiques that are hidden from the eyes of who do not seek. This place had its 60 seconds of fame when it became used as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. When you get to the centre, turn left and take the second right into the Passage of the Bull’s Head. This was the same entrance that was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron Pub in the film.

St. Peter’s:

This is respectably the oldest Christian site in London and dates back to 179 AD. The church of St. Peter that stands upon Cornhill is said to have been founded by Lucius, who was the first ever Christian King of Britain. One of the highlights of this region is the building where you will see three terracotta demons as they grimace back at you, their faces seeming contorted in hatred that can only be described as devilish. This piece of art was supposed to be a vengeful act on the part of the architect of the building, Rentz, who was miffed with the vicar of the parish owing to some previous miscommunication.