London Wall Walk

Embark on a captivating journey through time with the Enchanted London Wall Walk, a 4km escapade that unveils the rich tapestry of London’s history. This self-guided sojourn is not just a walk; it’s a time machine that whisks you from the Roman era through the medieval ages, revealing the city’s evolution through its remnants of ancient walls and gates. As you meander through this urban landscape, you’ll encounter the silent sentinels of history, standing proud amid the modern city’s hustle and bustle. Here’s your detailed guide to stepping back in centuries, where every stone tells a story, and every corner holds a whisper from the past.

London Roman Wall Walk Map

1. The Tower of London & Medieval Postern Gate – Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB

Begin your journey where history looms large—the Tower of London. This fortress, a mosaic of centuries, incorporates a section of the ancient Roman wall, albeit lost to time. Yet, the spirit of the past lingers, especially at the site of the medieval postern gate, a secret passage revealed only to those who dare to tread its path. Uncovered in 1979, this gate offers a silent narration of knights and nobles who once passed through its arches, setting the stage for the tales to unfold.

2. Tower Hill Roman Wall – Tower Hill, London

As you step onto Tower Hill, prepare to be transported back to an era when Roman sentinels walked the ramparts of a formidable wall. This surviving stretch, with its Kentish ragstone, stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess. Look for the red tile lines, the Romans’ ingenious solution for maintaining the wall’s level. Nearby, a statue of Emperor Trajan adds a touch of imperial grandeur, setting the tone for the historic wonders to come.

3. Cooper’s Row – London EC3N 2BQ

Venture into Cooper’s Row, where history melds seamlessly with the present. Here, the ancient wall reveals its medieval might, with archers’ loopholes hinting at a time of turmoil and defense. The row’s name, derived from the coopers who once plied their trade here, adds a layer of everyday life to the narrative of survival and adaptation that this section of the wall embodies.

4. Aldgate – Vine Street, London

Aldgate awaits with stories of transitions and thresholds. This erstwhile gateway, pivotal in the city’s defenses and daily life, now serves as a reminder of the bustling entrances that welcomed travelers and traders in times gone by. The site, steeped in legends ranging from Geoffrey Chaucer to Roman thoroughfares, offers a mosaic of London’s historical and cultural shifts, each layer inviting deeper exploration.

5. Houndsditch – Houndsditch, London

The name Houndsditch echoes with the lesser-known tales of the city’s past, where Romans once discarded their deceased canines. This ditch, now a street, was an integral part of the city’s defenses, a moat guarding the wall’s exterior. As you traverse Houndsditch, let your imagination wander to the mysteries and stories buried beneath your feet.

6. Bishopsgate – Bishopsgate, London

Bishopsgate, once a crucial passage through London’s wall, has seen centuries of history unfold. Though the gate itself has vanished, its legacy lives on in the surrounding architecture and the stories of those who passed beneath its arch. Here, history speaks of commerce, conflict, and the continuity of city life, against the backdrop of a church dedicated to travelers and wanderers.

7. All Hallows on the Wall and Moorgate – 83 London Wall, London EC2M 5ND

Continue along the path of history to All Hallows on the Wall, a sanctuary that has withstood the ravages of time and calamity. This church, nestled against the remnants of the wall, tells of resilience, of a community’s enduring faith amidst the changing tides of history. Nearby, Moorgate serves as a reminder of the city’s expansion, its name evoking the marshlands that once bordered the city.

8. St Alphage Wall – London Wall, London EC2Y 5EL

At the site of the Roman Barbican, encounter the ruins of St Alphage, where the sacred and the fortified converge. This church, built adjoining the ancient wall, speaks of a time when faith and defense were intertwined, offering a poignant glimpse into the daily lives of London’s medieval inhabitants.

9. Cripplegate – Wood Street, London EC2Y 5EJ

Cripplegate stands as a testament to the city’s evolution, from a defensive stronghold to a ceremonial threshold. The gate’s name, shrouded in mystery, invites speculation and imagination about the people and stories that have crossed its path. The nearby church of St Giles without Cripplegate adds a spiritual dimension to this historic waypoint, connecting the personal with the monumental.

10. The Barbican Walls and Tower – Barbican, London EC2Y 8BQ

Immerse yourself in the medieval heart of the Barbican, where the walls still bear witness to London’s storied past. Here, the remnants of towers and fortifications evoke images of a city prepared for siege, yet the serene waters of the once-moat reflect the peaceful present. This juxtaposition invites contemplation on the cycles of history, warfare, and peace.

11. Museum of London Tower – 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN

As you circle back, the tower near the Museum of London emerges as a beacon of historical discovery. This structure, part of the city’s ancient defenses, now opens windows into the past, offering insights into the lives of those who once sought its protection or manned its ramparts.

12. Barber-Surgeon’s Hall Tower – Monkwell Square, London EC2Y 5BL

Near the end of your journey, the Barber-Surgeon’s Hall Tower stands as a monument to resilience and recovery. This site, shaped by fire and war, now tells a story of rebirth, of a city and its people who have rebuilt and flourished time and again.

This walk, weaving through the heart of London, is not just a journey through space but through time. It’s an invitation to wander, to wonder, and to connect with the city in a profoundly personal way. As you tread this path, remember that you walk in the footsteps of history, part of the ongoing story of this ancient, ever-evolving city.