London in the nineteenth century became the largest city in the world and the centre of the greatest empire in history. However, not everyone shared the glory!
Richard’s walk uncovers the underbelly of Victorian London surprisingly in Marylebone: the slum housing, the workhouse, the hard lives of the street kids. We meet the heroic men and women who worked to improve the lot of the poor: from a chimney sweep turned property magnate to those who taught the semi-criminal, ragged children to a grand statesman obsessed with prostitutes.
The walk also takes in some lovely green spaces, characterful Victorian social housing and a fine parish church.

London’s Ragged and Reformers
Tour dates and times:
Thursday - 18 September 2025 - 14:30
Ticket price £17.50; £12.50
Your Guide(s)
Event details
Tour duration 2 hours
Child friendly? Yes
Access friendly? Yes
Meeting point: Baker street tube station, outside exit on Marylebone Road by the Sherlock Holmes statue.
Finishing at:Portland Place, opposite Broadcasting House, All Soul’s Church, a short walk to Oxford Circus tube.
Please note that walks are run by Association members – your contract is between you and the guide, not with the Association