Every Sunday we’ll pluck just one walk from the vast London Walks repertoire and put it center stage.
You can check out the full schedule at www.walks.com
But if you only take one walking tour this week, why not make it…
Upper Tooting
Saturday 18th June 10:45a.m
Tootling along, touring, tuning in to Tooting Bec.
You tune in first by clocking the name. "You want to see London you have to hear it." Tooting - it's Anglo-Saxon. Probably referred to "the people of the lookout place." It was in existence by the time of the Domesday Book. A farming village over the course of the Middle Ages. Delightfully situated - in the valleys of the Wandle and Graveney rivers (thus "Bec." Country houses began to appear in the 18th century.
A few of the early buildings that lined the High Street have survived. Villas and institutions from the mid-19th century.
So, great pedigree - including William the Conqueror and the abbey of Notre Dame du Bec in Normandy - great historical arc (from medieval village to London suburb). Good place to get a grasp of, get a feel for "real London."
Guided by Rex, who's local and, into the bargain, a star Blue Badge Guide. Local knowledge - can't beat it.
Meet Your Guide…
Rex
Rex is an English gentleman.
Not that anything else needs to be said. But just for the record, Rex worked at the opening night of the Rainbow Theatre rock music venue in Finsbury Park – it was his first grown up job! After that he got a history degree at LSE and has been a public relations man, political campaigner, lobbyist and managing director of a firm in the City of London. Today he is a Blue Badge guide and an elected councillor in Tooting, South London.
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
