Queer City: LGBTQIA+ History in the Culture Mile

Queer people have often been hidden from history. This walking tour, taking you through 2,000 years of London’s LGBTQIA+ history, will explore the lives of queer Londoners who have often been erased, marginalised or negatively portrayed in the history of London.

On our meanderings through the Culture Mile footprint, discover some of the oldest Queer spaces in London and their place in story of the city. Visit London’s Roman Walls, built at the time of Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Britannia and examine the Roman approach to same sex desire. Find out where Shakespeare lived in Elizabethan London and explore the Bard’s place in LGBTQIA+ history.

Hear the story of London’s famous female cross-dresser and see where they were punished. Explore the haunts of London’s Georgian Mollies and see where they found fun and frolics. And witness where the last queer people were hanged and where Oscar Wilde was put on trial.

Led by Patrick Molloy - Official City of London Guide, and a former history teacher with an MA in the History of London - we will explore how, despite the risks, queer people not only survived, but lived and loved and celebrated their lives.

📍 Meeting point: 3 Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH

📍 End point: Aldermanbury

👣 Route Distance: Approximately 2.5km overall, across mainly flat terrain.

⚪ The route includes a couple of steps, which may entail rerouting as required.

📸 Please note that we may have a photographer present during this event. Photography captured may be used in our marketing and communications. If you do not wish to be in any of the photos please let the photographer or a member of the team know.

Event Venue

3 Aldermanbury, 3 Aldermanbury, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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