British Empire Walking Tour in London Westminster: May Bank Holiday Weekend

Join me on a walking tour around Westminster - the beating heart of British politics, that was once the centre of a global empire. Even though Britain’s imperial power is relegated to history, the long process of colonisation and decolonisation defines the world we live in today.

At its height, the phrase "the Empire on which the sun never sets" was used to describe the vastness of the British Empire.

Today, symbols of decolonisation such as statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela occupy the same space as Imperial heroes like Sir Winston Churchill. What does this tell us about post colonial Britain and the soft power of monuments?

We will discover how stories and ideas from history connect to our present through the Black Lives Matter movement, the Gurkha Justice Campaign and the Policing Bill 2021.

Meeting point is by the statue of Churchill in Parliament Square.

"Manasi was a great guide. She had a very fresh perspective to offer on the British empire’s portrayal in public spaces. She discussed many details of spatial configurations embedded in the architecture of Parliament Square area which was very intriguing. It was very educational and engaging throughout the tour." - Anvita on Google Reviews

"I highly recommend Manasi’s tour. It offers a unique and important perspective on London as an imperial capital, highlighting statues and architecture that can tell us so much about Britain’s varied relationships with the countries it controlled." - Joanna on Tripadvisor

Hi! My name is Manasi and I run the History Speak culture and heritage consultancy.

My background is in creating Narrative Environments and I enjoy storytelling through spatial experiences such as waking tours and workshops.

• It is entirely outdoors and therefore it is possible to maintain social distancing.
• Face coverings are not mandatory during the tour but you are welcome to keep them on if it makes you feel more comfortable.
• We will be walking along the main road so please be aware of traffic and adhere to the traffic lights.
• Please also be aware that the tour starts and ends in front of the Parliament where there might be protests and demonstrations on the weekend.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, London, United Kingdom