I lead tours in London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire looking at aspects of architecture and history that are beyond the obvious. This means that you might join me in looking for traces of the lost palaces which lined the Strand in London in the 17th Century. Alternatively you could join me in looking at architecture and history in a market town or visiting a less well known country house to discover its hidden treasures.
If my schedule doesn’t suit yours I will take bookings for private tours for individuals or groups of up to 20 people at £200 per tour. Please have a look at my list of tours and contact me to arrange a time and date; my diary is often quite full but if I can fit you in at short notice I will alternatively I’m used to taking bookings weeks or months into the future.
My tours usually last two hours and are suitable for those aged 10 and over with an interest in buildings and the past. Individuals can book onto scheduled tours, but remember places are limited to a maximum of 20 people.
My current programme of tours and visits is below with prices. Please email me at zilphahistory@gmail.com to book places or if you have any queries.
1.30-3.30 p.m. Wednesday 2nd September. Walk : Clapham, a Common and a Suburb.
In the Georgian period Clapham Common was fringed with substantial villas and became associated with anti slavery campaigners like William Wilberforce. During the Victorian and Edwardian periods many of these villas were replaced with terraced housing but the Common was preserved and developed as a place of recreation. We will explore these layers of history. £15 per person.
1.30-3.30 p.m. Tuesday 15th September. Walk : Fitzrovia, Between Large London Estates.
Starting from Warren Street Underground station we will explore this area which was sandwiched between the much larger estates of the Dukes of Bedford and Portland. In the 18th and 19th centuries the Fitzroy and Berners families developed their properties but were not very successful in maintaining the social standing of the area despite some fine houses. The area’s decline was reflected in the building of a workhouse in 1770’s on Cleveland Street. £15 per person.
11.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. Tuesday 6th October. Walk : Architecture and History in Brill, Buckinghamshire.
Once a royal manor and a small town by the 19th Century Brill had become a large village. In addition to agriculture it was known as centre of making pottery and bricks. The hilltop location was also suitable for windmills, of which one remains. We will explore what the buildings have to say about Brill’s history. £12 per person.
1.30-3.30 p.m. Monday 19th October. Walk : Architecture and History in the Centre of St. Albans.
Starting at the early 15th century clocktower in the centre of the city we will explore the neighbouring streets finding evidence of centuries of wealth and development before moving into the precincts of the abbey where we will see how the area was used after its dissolution in 1539. We will end with looking at the exterior of the Abbey, which in 1877 became a cathedral, and the extensive Victorian restorations. £12 per person.
Bookings.
To book a place on the above lectures, walks or visits please contact me at Zilphahistory@gmail.com with details of which events you would like to book and for how many people, I will then confirm that places remain and invoice you. Payment will confirm the booking.
Cancelations.
In the unlikely case of my having to cancel an event everyone who has paid will be refunded in full or the credit carried over. In cases where a participant would like to cancel a place a full refund will be given if I am able to resell the place(s).