Name: Daniel Defoe in The City
Start: 2026-05-25T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-25T13:00:00+01:00
Location: Royal Exchange

Thinker, trader, hoaxer, spy – a walk from Bank to Bunhill Fields via Barbican, hearing about Robinson Crusoe, secrets and stockings
About this Event

Daniel Defoe is best known for his novel Robinson Crusoe, a work of fiction, albeit based on a historical event. It was first published in 1719 when he was almost sixty years old and today is still one of the world's best-known and most widely-read novels.

But there's more Daniel Defoe than fiction. His life was a fascinating story itself. He lived through the reign of six monarchs and brought current affairs to the masses via his observations and pamphlets, believing that everyone should be better aware of the ways of the world. He also wrote about subjects as varied as crime, religion, history, world travel and marriage.

On this guided walk we'll look at the places Daniel would have known. You'll hear about his writings, his family, his travels, his achievements and his constant battle with debt, leading to Pr*son, espionage, and greater political involvement.

We'll start near Bank station and then disappear down some narrow back streets to see places he would have frequented, such as coffee houses and old restaurants, before making our way to London Wall and The Barbican, where he lived and worked for most of his life. Much of the area is high-rise glass these days but it's still possible to get a good sense of the world that Daniel inhabited.

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The tour starts at above Bank staion near The Royal Excange
The exact meeting point will be clearly described on your booking confirmation sent via email after purchase. See more info in the FAQs below
We end our walk in Bunhill Fields burial ground, a short distance from Old Street roundabout.

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Customer feedback: "I attended your online talk about Defoe and found it so engaging that I just had to join you for the walk too. And I am so pleased I did that as it brought his story to life even more... what an incredible character" / "Great story well told - thanks Jane" / "Amazing man. Well presented. Learned lots." / "Wow, I had no idea about the spying, thanks" / "Fascinating. Thanks for making it so easy to follow. My son loves RC and will love all this extra info when I tell him" / "I came back for more because I really like your presentation style. Well done!"/ "Thanks for opening my eyes Jane" / "My favourite guide" / More feedback here

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important re meeting point info – please do not rely on any QR codes, postcodes and maps sent via apps as these often give incorrect information.
The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase...
Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a written description of where to find me, as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
As a back-up, the same information will be provided within a reminder sent 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

There is no minimum age
No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

I would say no, because there are steps to climb within The Barbican complex (lifts might not be availale/working) plus there are a few cobbled and uneven passages to navigate. A wheelchair-friendly route can be organised on request.

How can I contact the organiser?