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City of London History of Money & Power Tour
About the tour
Walk through the heart of London’s financial centre and trace how money evolved from its earliest forms to modern global finance. Along backstreets, ancient temples, and churches, you’ll see how technology, war, sovereignty, and ambition shaped the systems we now take for granted.
This tour offers a fresh perspective on how the City became a global hub of commerce and invites you to reflect on what money and power mean in our lives today.
What you will see
- We start with esoteric origins of money in The Oldest Mary Church
- An art piece for one of the forgotten rivers, which serves our story too
- How the story of ancient Sun god links the City to Babylon and the story of Money and power
- Immersive displays of artifacts and rituals tied to Londinium’s mercantile past.
- Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor.
- At the doors of the Bank of England, crusader‑era banking, Eastern transfer systems, and ancient protective symbols converge.
- In Pope’s Head Alley, papal and pharaonic symbols, medieval religious rules on interest
- Church dedicated to England's last King & Martyr
- A revolution took place in and around this once financial hub of unprecedented scale!
- The Oldest coffee shop in England!
- On perhaps the oldest site site of christian worship we discuss the dirty business of Indulgences
- Change Alley’s packed coffeehouses saw the birth of organised stock trading, insurance markets, and speculative manias, culminating in the South Sea Bubble whose debts echoed into the modern era.
- The 12 Great Livery Companies who forged London’s early economy, money markets, and trust-based banking system.
- The Bank of England, founded in 1694 amid civil war, revolution, and regime change, became the prototype for modern central banks
- A symbol of both British ingenuity and the Industrial revolution
- War is now won with money not just guns
- Newton a former slave trader turned abolitionist, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, served as the Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth for 28 years.
- Where we find the truth of money
- This industrial style building tells the story of the East india company
- We tell the story of another unprecedented revolution outside this symbol of the City's financial status.
- We conclude our story as we link our story with ancient origins to the present day: Bitcoin.
St Mary Aldermary, Bow Ln, London EC4M 9BW
Bloomberg Arcade, 3 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4N 8AA.
3 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4TQ
London Mithraeum, Bloomberg SPACE, 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA
1 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3DG.
Bank of England on Threadnedle Street ((EC2R 8AH)
4 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR, UK
St Edmund, King and Martyr, Lombard Street, London EC3V 9EA, United Kingdom
1 George Yard, City of London, London EC3V 9DH, United Kingdom
Jamaica Wine House, St Michael’s Alley, London EC3V 9DS, United Kingdom
St Michael’s Cornhill, St Michael’s Alley, London EC3V 9DS, United Kingdom
Change Alley, City of London, London EC3V, United Kingdom
London EC3V 3LL
Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH
Bank Junction, City of London, London EC4N 8BH, United Kingdom
St Mary Woolnoth, Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AN, United Kingdom
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom
Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA, United Kingdom
St Helen’s Bishopsgate, Great St Helen’s, London EC3A 6AT, United Kingdom
How you can experience this tour
Self-guide Tour
Language & guidance option(s):
- English:
- French:
Guided Walking Tour
Language & guidance option(s):
What Our Customers Are Saying
- Dragon tour City of London Arjun was a brilliant guide. He is very knowledgeable about the subjects he talks about throughout the tour, which centres around the spiritual connections behind much of the symbolism and iconography throughout the architecture and landmarks within the City. I really appreciated that although he had much knowledge to share,... More reviewsArjun was a brilliant guide. He is very knowledgeable about the subjects he talks about throughout the tour, which centres around the spiritual connections behind much of the symbolism and iconography throughout the architecture and landmarks within the City. I really appreciated that although he had much knowledge to share, he also intuitively allowed us the space to contemplate the spaces and topics for ourselves during moments in between, and did not try to cram too much in and nothing felt forced. The pace was easy to follow and very easy to walk. read less
Alice6/11/2025Great Tour and Loved the experience! A tour like no other. You are taken on a journey through time that is not only an eye opening, story telling of historical pasts but you also see things from a different angle. I would recommend this and make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes! Loved... More reviewsA tour like no other. You are taken on a journey through time that is not only an eye opening, story telling of historical pasts but you also see things from a different angle. I would recommend this and make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes! Loved the experience :-) read less Arvinder3/13/2024Great Tour Arjun has researched and created a walk that spans millennia and weaves an absorbing narrative of London’s complex history. The tale of shifts in power, culture, and development – he easily linking time periods, cultures and historical figures. Obviously passionate about the subject the depth of this tour will only... More reviewsArjun has researched and created a walk that spans millennia and weaves an absorbing narrative of London’s complex history. The tale of shifts in power, culture, and development – he easily linking time periods, cultures and historical figures. Obviously passionate about the subject the depth of this tour will only get better as Arjun fine tunes his fascinating chronicle. Highly recommended. read less Ronnie Reid3/22/2025 - Well researched, interesting, adventurous ! The London Mystical Tour was the best tour I did so far :) Arjun is such a kind guide and seems to be born as an encyclopaedia cause he could tell a well researched, profound story to everything we were interested in on the way. What stuck out to me... More reviewsThe London Mystical Tour was the best tour I did so far :) Arjun is such a kind guide and seems to be born as an encyclopaedia cause he could tell a well researched, profound story to everything we were interested in on the way. What stuck out to me as well, has been his great passion and interest in the content of the tour. I enjoyed to learn the meaning and background of commonly used symbols in buildings and recognize them anywhere else in architecture and art now :)) read less Sophie4/11/2025Beautiful! We had an amazing time on a walking tour exploring London’s historical and mystical sites. Arjul was an exceptional guide, combining his deep knowledge with an engaging storytelling style that made the city’s past feel alive.
What stood out the most was the way Arjul encouraged us to notice the small,... More reviewsWe had an amazing time on a walking tour exploring London’s historical and mystical sites. Arjul was an exceptional guide, combining his deep knowledge with an engaging storytelling style that made the city’s past feel alive.
What stood out the most was the way Arjul encouraged us to notice the small, often overlooked details—each one holding its own story or significance. His ability to weave together history and mystery was both fascinating and inspiring.
The tour offered a perfect mix of insight and intrigue, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for London. If you’re looking for a guide who will open your eyes to the city in a completely new way, we highly recommend this tour. read less D. Bruno11/18/2024Well planned. Recommend it Arjun is a fantastic guide that needs more recognition! He is truely passionate and is generous with his time and knowledge. This is the perfect tour for those who are interested in the entwinement of history, religion and mysticism ~ topics that you will be hard pressed to find on... More reviewsArjun is a fantastic guide that needs more recognition! He is truely passionate and is generous with his time and knowledge. This is the perfect tour for those who are interested in the entwinement of history, religion and mysticism ~ topics that you will be hard pressed to find on any other tour of london. You will not regret booking this amazing guide for your trip in London. read less Tara7/24/2024 - Great, engaging and informative tour The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and took great care to individualize the information. Good with a 10 year old with a lot of questions. Saw a few more churches than we expected but they were spectacular and ones we would have missed on our own. Symbolism of icons was presented... More reviewsThe guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and took great care to individualize the information. Good with a 10 year old with a lot of questions. Saw a few more churches than we expected but they were spectacular and ones we would have missed on our own. Symbolism of icons was presented well and without judgement. Great historian of London. read less Margaret11/23/2023London’s History of Money, Magic, and Power Walking tour We absolutely enjoyed our tour today. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and, despite it being just the two of us, went out of his way to create a truly personalised experience. It offers an unconventional perspective on the origins of money, exploring the exchange of goods, the rise of interest... More reviewsWe absolutely enjoyed our tour today. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and, despite it being just the two of us, went out of his way to create a truly personalised experience. It offers an unconventional perspective on the origins of money, exploring the exchange of goods, the rise of interest and debt, and the beginnings of banks and the stock exchange — all intertwined with elements of magic and religion in a mysterious way. If you’re passionate about history and looking for a fresh, unconventional take on London’s past, this is the tour for you. read less Nadia Joos8/09/2025The best tour we've ever been on! Arjun's knowledge and detail throughout the tour was excellent. He listened to our questions intently and provided such rich information about all the different sites across the tour amazingly well. It was a great afternoon of insights, conversation and inspiration to learn more about the incredible history and hidden stories... More reviewsArjun's knowledge and detail throughout the tour was excellent. He listened to our questions intently and provided such rich information about all the different sites across the tour amazingly well. It was a great afternoon of insights, conversation and inspiration to learn more about the incredible history and hidden stories all around us. Thanks so much for this tour Arjun, we will be recommending this tour to our friends and family and will likely be coming on another one of DragonLore's tours very soon. Thanks a lot! read less Kobina Elliott10/19/2024
- A new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. Arjun led a fantastic tour. Both my wife and I had visited London before but Arjun's tour gave us not only a new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. We saw several sites unknown to many guidebooks. He was very knowledgable and a fantastic storyteller.... More reviewsArjun led a fantastic tour. Both my wife and I had visited London before but Arjun's tour gave us not only a new persepctive on London but to sites rich in history and symbolism. We saw several sites unknown to many guidebooks. He was very knowledgable and a fantastic storyteller. Highly recommend the tour for history buffs, myth lovers and lay people alike. read less Sasha2/04/2025One of the most interesting and informative tours Thank you Arjun, this is one of the most interesting and informative tours I have done. There was so much to see and learn, and so much hidden in plain sight! I will definitely go back and revisit some of the stops and this has changed the way I look... More reviewsThank you Arjun, this is one of the most interesting and informative tours I have done. There was so much to see and learn, and so much hidden in plain sight! I will definitely go back and revisit some of the stops and this has changed the way I look at the City.
read less Polly2/12/2025Finding Ancient Times The most interesting part of this tour was the hidden Roman Temple. Who knew that there is still so much evidence of Roman times hidden under modern London. The leisurely pace was nice and out guide was knowledgeable about the symbolism used throughout history. This was an enjoyable activity away... More reviewsThe most interesting part of this tour was the hidden Roman Temple. Who knew that there is still so much evidence of Roman times hidden under modern London. The leisurely pace was nice and out guide was knowledgeable about the symbolism used throughout history. This was an enjoyable activity away from the crowds. read less Linda7/23/2023 - Calling all seekers… A deeply thoughtful investigation into the meaning of symbols and the stories they tell about us —who we are , who we were—from antiquity to present time. Arjun is not only a wonderful storyteller but an intellectual. Fellow seekers, no matter what dragons you may have to slay, this tour... More reviewsA deeply thoughtful investigation into the meaning of symbols and the stories they tell about us —who we are , who we were—from antiquity to present time. Arjun is not only a wonderful storyteller but an intellectual. Fellow seekers, no matter what dragons you may have to slay, this tour will arm you , if not with weapons then with wonder and a sense of what binds us as humans. read less Kiley E Moran5/30/2025Deep understanding of the fascinating history of the City of London Arjun was an excellent guide and it was obvious he had a deep understanding of the fascinating history of the City of London. I especially liked the way he tied together his comments at the beginning and the end of the tour. I highly recommend the tour for visitors wanting... More reviewsArjun was an excellent guide and it was obvious he had a deep understanding of the fascinating history of the City of London. I especially liked the way he tied together his comments at the beginning and the end of the tour. I highly recommend the tour for visitors wanting to know how the City came about
read less Deo ind6/10/2025I have lived in London all my life and not known some of these exciting and interesting facts Amazing! This tour gave me so much to think about and I found it so fun to see that I have lived in London all my life and not known some of these exciting and interesting facts about the history of London. The places we went where very beautiful and... More reviewsAmazing! This tour gave me so much to think about and I found it so fun to see that I have lived in London all my life and not known some of these exciting and interesting facts about the history of London. The places we went where very beautiful and I recommend this tour. The tour guide was also so nice and if you had a question he would almost always know the answer! Truly great experience. I can't wait to go on the second tour. ✨✨
read less Mia Pirog10/01/2024 - I’m happy to share that my expectations were even exceeded. I booked this tour with Arjun because I wanted to learn more about the myths and legends that London and the city of London rest on. I’m happy to share that my expectations were even exceeded. I was the only one that booked the tour on this day so Arjun... More reviewsI booked this tour with Arjun because I wanted to learn more about the myths and legends that London and the city of London rest on. I’m happy to share that my expectations were even exceeded. I was the only one that booked the tour on this day so Arjun basically took me on a private tour through all of the stations with some extra details and discussions. I highly recommend! read less Fritz1/01/1970Wow! Most unique tour of London Our whole family throroughly enjoyed the unique city of London tour with Arjun. We booked a private tour after our friend recommended Arjun, but we asked him for a mix of historical and mystical (bespoke tour), and he delivered! The information he shared was intriguing and interesting to both our... More reviewsOur whole family throroughly enjoyed the unique city of London tour with Arjun. We booked a private tour after our friend recommended Arjun, but we asked him for a mix of historical and mystical (bespoke tour), and he delivered! The information he shared was intriguing and interesting to both our children (11 and 15) and us adults. Arjun is a truly gifted guide and a lovely human being as well. He was very accommodating, flexible and generous with his time and knowledge! We would love to catch up h him again in London or any of the other locations he explores!
Highly recommend if you want a unique and deeper experience of London! read less Mireille Azar8/02/2025Stepping back in time and adventuring through history Wow! Arjun didn't fail to deliver. His knowledge was extensive on esoteric City of London, I could tell a lot of research had gone into it. I felt a sense of stepping back in time and adventuring through history. What I discovered on this tour was unique and unlike any... More reviewsWow! Arjun didn't fail to deliver. His knowledge was extensive on esoteric City of London, I could tell a lot of research had gone into it. I felt a sense of stepping back in time and adventuring through history. What I discovered on this tour was unique and unlike any other tour I've been on, it went deeper. I shall be trying out his other tours next chance I get! read less Connie8/26/2024
