How long does it take to walk from Smithfield to St Paul's?

The direct walk takes about 10 minutes, covering roughly 0.5 miles. However, following this historical route with stops at Postman's Park and the Golden Boy takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Is Smithfield Market open to the public?

Yes, the public can walk through the Grand Avenue of Smithfield Market. To see the meat trading in action, you must visit very early, typically between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM on weekdays.

Where did the Great Fire of London end?

The Great Fire of London officially ended at Pye Corner in Smithfield. The spot is marked by the Golden Boy of Pye Corner statue on the corner of Giltspur Street.

Can I see the plague pits in London?

While you cannot see the bones themselves, Charterhouse Square is a confirmed site of a 14th-century plague pit. Archaeological digs in 2013 for the Crossrail project uncovered dozens of skeletons here.

Are there hidden gems near St Paul's Cathedral?

Yes, Postman's Park is a significant hidden gem located just a few minutes north of St Paul's. It contains the unique Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, which many tourists miss.

What is Postman's Park famous for?

Postman's Park is famous for the Watts Memorial, a wall of Victorian tiles commemorating ordinary citizens who died saving others. It was also a key location in the movie 'Closer'.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

The walk is physically easy and flat, but the themes include executions and the plague. It is suitable for older children and teens interested in history, but parents should use discretion for younger kids.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the darker side of London's history with this self-guided walk through Smithfield, a neighborhood where the echoes of the past remain remarkably loud. For centuries, this area sat just outside the city walls, serving as a place for things the city couldn't contain: massive livestock markets, rowdy summer fairs, and the grim spectacle of public executions. This walking route invites you to explore the layers of time, from the medieval foundations of London's oldest parish church to the site where the Great Fire was finally extinguished. You will discover the stories of those who met their end at the 'Elms' of Smithfield, including the Scottish rebel William Wallace, and walk over the hidden grounds of 14th-century plague pits. As you navigate the narrow alleys and grand Victorian market structures, this neighborhood stroll reveals how Smithfield transitioned from a bloody execution ground to the heart of London’s meat trade. You will encounter the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a small but significant monument marking the end of the 1666 conflagration, and find peace in Postman’s Park, a hidden gem dedicated to everyday heroes. The route also brings you to the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of resilience that rose from the ashes of the Great Fire. This travel experience is perfect for those who enjoy uncovering the secrets of the city independently. Whether you are a history buff or a fan of atmospheric urban exploration, this audio walk provides the context needed to see the city through a different lens. This walking tour London offers a deep dive into the resilient spirit of the capital, showcasing how it survived the Black Death, religious upheaval, and total destruction by fire. Unlike a traditional guided tour London, this independent journey allows you to pause and reflect at each historic site at your own pace.

Highlights

The historic Smithfield Market, London's oldest meat market

St Bartholomew the Great, a stunning 12th-century church

The Golden Boy of Pye Corner where the Great Fire of London ended

Postman’s Park and the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice

Charterhouse Square, the site of a 14th-century Black Death burial ground

The iconic exterior of Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral

Tour Stops (6)

Smithfield Market

Welcome to Smithfield, a place that has been a center of London life—and death—for nearly a millennium. Standing before the grand Victorian ironwork of the current market, it is hard to imagine that this open space was once a marshy field outside the city walls used for public executions. In 1305, the Scottish knight William Wallace was brought here to meet a gruesome end. Later, during the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381, Wat Tyler was killed on this very ground. For centuries, Smithfield was also the site of the Bartholomew Fair, a riotous event of trade and debauchery. Today, it remains the last of London's great historic wholesale markets still operating in its original location, though its future is evolving as the city changes.

St Bartholomew the Great

Enter through the Tudor gatehouse to find one of London’s best-kept secrets. Founded in 1123 as an Augustinian priory, St Bartholomew the Great is the city's oldest continuous place of worship. While much of London was lost to the Great Fire, this stone sanctuary survived. Inside, the heavy Norman arches and thick walls create an atmosphere of profound antiquity. It has served many roles over the centuries, including a printing office where Benjamin Franklin once worked. Its timeless, moody interior has made it a favorite for filmmakers, appearing in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'Sherlock Holmes.' It stands as a rare survivor of medieval London, offering a quiet sanctuary from the modern city outside.

Golden Boy of Pye Corner

Look up at the corner of Giltspur Street and Cock Lane to find a small, gilded wooden statue of a plump boy. This is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner. While the Great Fire of London famously started at Pudding Lane, this is the spot where it finally stopped four days later in 1666. At the time, many believed the fire was a divine punishment for the sin of gluttony, which is why the fire 'started at Pudding Lane and ended at Pye Corner.' The boy is intentionally chubby to symbolize this perceived sin. It is a modest monument, but it marks the boundary of one of the most transformative events in the city’s history.

Postman's Park

Tucked away near the former General Post Office, Postman’s Park is home to the touching Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. Created by Victorian artist George Frederic Watts, the memorial consists of a long wall of ceramic tiles, each telling the story of an ordinary person who died while trying to save the life of another. The tales are heartbreakingly specific: a young girl saving her brother from a fire, or a man drowning while rescuing a stranger from the Thames. This peaceful garden, built over a former graveyard, offers a moving tribute to human courage and a rare moment of stillness in the heart of the bustling financial district.

St. Paul's Cathedral

No exploration of London’s resilience is complete without St. Paul’s Cathedral. After the medieval cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to build this masterpiece. Its iconic dome has dominated the London skyline for over 300 years. St. Paul’s became a symbol of national defiance during the Blitz of World War II, when it miraculously survived while the surrounding area was leveled by bombs. As you stand in its shadow, consider the 'Phoenix' stone on the south transept, which bears the word 'Resurgam'—Latin for 'I shall rise again'—a fitting motto for a city that has faced plague, fire, and war.

Charterhouse Square

Our route concludes at Charterhouse Square, a place of quiet beauty with a dark secret beneath the grass. In 1348, as the Black Death ravaged London, this land was used as a mass burial pit for thousands of victims. Archaeological excavations for the Crossrail project recently confirmed the presence of these plague pits right beneath your feet. Later, a Carthusian monastery was built here, which was then converted into a grand Tudor mansion and eventually a school and almshouse. The Charterhouse has survived the Reformation and the Blitz, standing today as a complex of buildings that spans seven centuries of London's turbulent history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Smithfield area offers the most concentrated dark history, covering medieval executions, the Great Fire's end point, and confirmed Black Death plague pits. This self-guided walk connects these sites efficiently within 90 minutes.