Every Sunday we'll pluck just one walk from the vast London Walks repertoire and put it centre stage.
But if you only take one walking tour this week, why not make it...
"a shtetl called Whitechapel"
10.45 am on Fridays from Tower Hill Tube (meet by the "Tower Hill Tram" coffee stand)
There's no need to book. A London Walk takes about two hours and costs £10 or £8 for concs. Kids under 15 accompanied by their parent[s] go free.
This walk traces the history of London's Jewish community in the East End. It's a story that embraces the poverty of the pogrom refugees and the glittering success of the Rothschilds; the eloquence of the 19th-century Prime Minister Disraeli and the spiel of the Petticoat Lane stallholder; the poetry of Isaac Rosenberg and the poetry-in-motion of Abe Saperstein's Harlem Globetrotters. Set amid the alleys and back streets of colourful Spitalfields and Whitechapel, it's a tale of synagogues and sweatshops, Sephardim and soup kitchens. (And on that note, it's time for a joke.) And while we're at it, here's Jon's fine little video trailer of the walk...
The Old Jewish Quarter Walk takes place every Friday at 10.45 am, every Sunday at 10.15 am
and every Wednesday at 10.45 am.
Meet Harry or Steve or Judy or Shaughan by the "Tower Hill Tram" coffee stand just outside the exit of Tower Hill Tube
Tower Hill Tube is on the Circle & District Lines
N.B. Whenever possible we visit the wonderful Old Synagogue, for which there's a small entrance fee.
Guided on Fridays by Harry or Steve
Guided on Sundays by Judy or Shaughan
Guided on Wednesdays by Steve or Shaughan
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
