“I will dunk you in the
river…and then reveal my mystery…”
John Constable, Southwark
Mysteries
Southwark…Most know it today for the tourist
destinations of Borough Market, Southwark cathedral, London Bridge,
The Globe, among others. But behind the bustling Bankside streets
there is a much more sordid and dark history.
For over two millennia
‘south of the river’ has always been a wild place of debauchery and
vice. From the Roman occupation, through to the Medieval and
Elizabethan eras and right up to the 20th century, Southwark has
rightly earned its reputation as a "Foul dene, rather than a
Fairy garden".
We know the men
behind this history: Shakespeare, Sir Francis Drake, King Henry
VIII, the Bishops of Winchester.
But what about the
women?
After all, as the Church
believes, where there is sin…there is a woman!
Enter: "Lydia Clamydia". Your local Roman Whore
Guide, who is here to correct this imbalance! Lydia has left her
long slumber in the spirit world to guide you through Southwark’s
HERstory and bring to life Southwark’s colourful past. As
she guides you along the river and through the backstreets, you
will be introduced to among others:
A Pagan Goddess who
inspired orgies…
An infamous Brothel
owner…
A very unlucky
Nun…
A Winchester goose or
two…
A supernatural entity
that curses men who offend her!…
A Victorian working
class heroine or two…
Starting at Southwark
Cathedral and ending on Red Cross Way, you will visit some of the
lesser known spots of the area and have an opportunity to see
Southwark from a new, feminist-focussed perspective. Stories
will be brought to life with humorous theatrical interludes. Expect
drama, spoken word, and, at times, gentle audience
participation!
At the end of the
journey, you will have the option to join your Guide for a tipple
in a local Edwardian pub to digest what you have seen, heard and
learned!
This walking tour last
approximately 2 hours and is predominantly flat, with one set of
descending steps. There are no toilet or rest stops en route.