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City of London’s History of Money & Power
Experience a self‑guided journey through the City of London, where money and power intertwine amid history, mythology and financial innovation.
Using clear on‑screen directions (with optional audio narration where available), you’ll discover money not just as a tool of trade but as a symbol and shared story—an invisible thread linking creation myths, systems of governance and changing ideas of value.
As you follow the route at your own pace, you’ll explore how power arises from collective belief and action, and how the ongoing tension between wisdom and greed, creation and destruction, still shapes the City’s hidden dynamics today.
The City of London's story of money and power from Babylon to Bitcoin
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Explore the City of London at your own pace, following a route where ancient gods, medieval merchants and modern bankers all share the same streets. On this self‑guided experience, you’ll trace the evolution of money from clay tablets and temple offerings to paper promises and invisible digital entries, visiting Roman ruins, Wren churches, coffee houses, markets and glass‑and‑steel towers along the way.
With clear directions and stop‑by‑stop commentary, you’ll slip into alleys, churchyards and former trading floors to uncover how symbols, rituals and stories about value shaped everything from imperial expansion to everyday life. Instead of following a group, you choose the timing, dwell as long as you like in each place, and use the audio and on‑screen notes to unpack money as both a practical tool and a powerful form of shared imagination—asking where power really comes from and how unseen forces still influence the world’s financial heart.
Designed for curious minds, history lovers and seekers of deeper meaning, this self‑guided tour blends storytelling, philosophy and concrete locations into a flexible experience, turning the City of London into your personal laboratory of money and power.
Route
- St Mary Aldermary | Entrance - Free / IncludedWe start with esoteric origins of money in The Oldest Mary Church
- Forgotten Streams | Entrance - Free / IncludedAn art piece for one of the forgotten rivers, which serves our story too
- Bloomberg Building | Entrance - Free / IncludedHow the story of ancient Sun god links the City to Babylon and the story of Money and power
- London Mithraeum | Entrance - Free / IncludedImmersive displays of artifacts and rituals tied to Londinium’s mercantile past.
- Royal Exchange | Outside visitFounded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor.
- Bank of England – Front doors | Outside visitAt the doors of the Bank of England, crusader‑era banking, Eastern transfer systems, and ancient protective symbols converge.
- Pope’s Head Alley | Outside visitIn Pope’s Head Alley, papal and pharaonic symbols, medieval religious rules on interest
- St Edmund Martyr on Lombard Street | Outside visitChurch dedicated to England's last King & Martyr
- George Yard | Outside visitA revolution took place in and around this once financial hub of unprecedented scale!
- Jamaica Wine House | Outside visitThe Oldest coffee shop in England!
- St Michael’s Church, Cornhill | Outside visitOn perhaps the oldest site site of christian worship we discuss the dirty business of Indulgences
- Change Alley | Outside visitChange 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.
- 12 Lamp Posts of the Great Livery Companies | Outside visitThe 12 Great Livery Companies who forged London’s early economy, money markets, and trust-based banking system.
- Bank of England | Outside visitThe Bank of England, founded in 1694 amid civil war, revolution, and regime change, became the prototype for modern central banks
- James Henry Greathead Statue (Cornhill) | Outside visitA symbol of both British ingenuity and the Industrial revolution
- Duke of Wellington Statue (Bank Junction) | Outside visitWar is now won with money not just guns
- St Mary Woolnoth | Entrance - Free / IncludedNewton a former slave trader turned abolitionist, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, served as the Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth for 28 years.
- Leadenhall Market – Dragons & Bulls | Entrance - Free / IncludedWhere we find the truth of money
- Lloyd’s of London (Lime Street) | Outside visitThis industrial style building tells the story of the East india company
- The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) | Outside visitWe tell the story of another unprecedented revolution outside this symbol of the City's financial status.
- St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate | Outside visitWe 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
Language options available
- English:
- French:
Booking & Availabilty
Self-guide - Per Person
Our self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace using your own device. With clear directions and rich on-page storytelling, you’ll enjoy:
- Flexible start times and no fixed schedule
- Stop-by-stop guidance with maps and location details
- Deeper commentary you can read (and where available, listen to) as you go
£11.00
Booking form
Per Person – Self‑Guided Tour (Digital)
What Our Customers Are Saying
- In somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points. ... More reviewsIn somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points. Through various artefacts, he traced the origins of the financial capital of the world, and innumerable quests for power and influence. This was a very informative and thought-provoking tour and I would highly recommend it! read less
Aditi11/03/2024Mystical London Excellent and very interesting tour that fits its descriptive, with an amazing and erudite guide! We had fascinating, deep and multi-layered conversations around the exploration of what is hidden in plain sight. I am very much looking forward for Arjun to create his next tour and continue to discover London... More reviewsExcellent and very interesting tour that fits its descriptive, with an amazing and erudite guide! We had fascinating, deep and multi-layered conversations around the exploration of what is hidden in plain sight. I am very much looking forward for Arjun to create his next tour and continue to discover London that way!
read less Sandra11/23/2023I’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 Fritz1/01/1970 - City of London Historical Free Walking Tour Arjun was an excellent guide. He was very welcoming since the very beginning, and made sure everything was perfect all along the tour. The historical explanation was fantastic, it showed he is really passionate about it. We would definetly recommend booking this tour to get to know how Londinium was... More reviewsArjun was an excellent guide. He was very welcoming since the very beginning, and made sure everything was perfect all along the tour. The historical explanation was fantastic, it showed he is really passionate about it. We would definetly recommend booking this tour to get to know how Londinium was founded and got to be "The City" nowadays. Thanks for all, Arjun! read less Janire2/02/2026Excellent We thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Arjun. He was very knowledgeable, we learned so much from him on a fascinating topic. I really liked how well thought out the tour was, you could tell how each stop along the tour built on the previous, building a full picture in our... More reviewsWe thoroughly enjoyed the tour with Arjun. He was very knowledgeable, we learned so much from him on a fascinating topic. I really liked how well thought out the tour was, you could tell how each stop along the tour built on the previous, building a full picture in our heads by the end of the tour. I have already recommended this tour to friends, we'll definitely be back for more tours with Arjun. read less Daryl Elliott10/19/2024The guide was telling a story, rather than just reciting historical information Booked this tour yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour guide took us through an in depth history of the City of London teaching us several things I hadn't known before, which was intriguing. The tour was conducted as if the guide was telling a story, rather than just reciting... More reviewsBooked this tour yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour guide took us through an in depth history of the City of London teaching us several things I hadn't known before, which was intriguing. The tour was conducted as if the guide was telling a story, rather than just reciting historical information. The sights themselves were for the most part easy on the eye and full of history, including places such as the guildhall art gallery and st Lawrence jewry church. We concluded at the bank of England where the guide explained in depth the symbolism of the twelve ornate lampposts in the square, each one representing one of the twelve most important ancient guilds of the City. Would highly recommend! read less Nico7/01/2024
- 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 Moran5/30/2025Great 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 Arvinder3/13/2024A memorable voyage across time In somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a memorable voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points.... More reviewsIn somewhat of a leisurely Jules Verne sequence, the tour was a memorable voyage across time. It gave us glimpses of Londinium in present day London. Our tour guide Mr Arjun, a prolific researcher and storyteller, dotted the landscape and ancient buildings with characters, events and turning points. Through various artefacts, he traced the origins of the financial capital of the world, and innumerable quests for power and influence. This was a very informative and thought-provoking tour and I would highly recommend it! read less Aditi11/03/2024
- I loved all the new wonderful places Our tour with Arjun "City of dragons" was amazing. I loved all the new wonderful places Arjun showed us that I never knew about before, such as the crypt in St. Bride's church and the palindrome in St. Martin Ludgate. He also gave us a new perspective on well known... More reviewsOur tour with Arjun "City of dragons" was amazing. I loved all the new wonderful places Arjun showed us that I never knew about before, such as the crypt in St. Bride's church and the palindrome in St. Martin Ludgate. He also gave us a new perspective on well known sites as St. Pauls and the Templar Church. To sum it up, we had a wonderful time on our tour. Go and listen to Arjun, you will never see dragons the same as before. read less Rebekka10/24/2023Dragons are everywhere ... if you know where to look! Whether you're into dragons or just want to get to know the treasures and history located in and around the square mile of the City of London a bit better, this tour will not disappoint. Go on this well-researched, engaging, and thought-provoking tour and uncover hidden gems from history, symbolism,... More reviewsWhether you're into dragons or just want to get to know the treasures and history located in and around the square mile of the City of London a bit better, this tour will not disappoint. Go on this well-researched, engaging, and thought-provoking tour and uncover hidden gems from history, symbolism, and many overlapping cultural traditions. Wear good walking shoes. Highly recommended. read less Leon3/14/2024Strongly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the subjects Arjun was an absolute delight. He was very kind and incredibly knowledgeable - it was clear how much effort and time that he put into his tour and researching the subjects! For me, this was a perfect tour, as Arjun was happy to answer questions and humor thoughts I had... More reviewsArjun was an absolute delight. He was very kind and incredibly knowledgeable - it was clear how much effort and time that he put into his tour and researching the subjects! For me, this was a perfect tour, as Arjun was happy to answer questions and humor thoughts I had about the topics of the tour, and in moments where I didn't know anything, he regailed us with informative history on the subject, parallels in the world and more! I strongly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the subjects covered and further recommend Arjun as a guide for any tour that he offers.
read less Sterling1/24/2024 - Deep 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 ind6/10/2025City of London Mythology tour - very interesting This is a great tour if you’re looking for something a bit different. Full of iconography, our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts & perspectives on history & the events that makes London City what it is today. We went on a Sunday, two stops... More reviewsThis is a great tour if you’re looking for something a bit different. Full of iconography, our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts & perspectives on history & the events that makes London City what it is today. We went on a Sunday, two stops on the journey were closed but this was made up in extra time at other sites and images provided of the closed venues. Overall, very enjoyable! read less Julie4/23/2024London’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 Joos8/09/2025 - His knowledge was extensive on esoteric City of London 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 Connie8/01/2024I 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 Pirog10/01/2024Excellent, interesting tour! This tour took us back in time to pre-1000 AD with the London Stone, through history and artifacts from dragons to phoenixes to churches. We learned about Druids and Romans at a pace we could take it all in. Our tour guide, Argent, was very knowledgeable and kept this moving... More reviewsThis tour took us back in time to pre-1000 AD with the London Stone, through history and artifacts from dragons to phoenixes to churches. We learned about Druids and Romans at a pace we could take it all in. Our tour guide, Argent, was very knowledgeable and kept this moving at a comfortable pace while explaining how various things: water, rivers, grounding, and artifacts are all tied together in the quest for spiritual growth. A very worthwhile afternoon! Excellent, thought provoking conversations. read less Roger6/13/2023
