The City of London is like no other. It has over two thousand years of history, a global financial centre, and if you dig down far enough, you'll stumble across a Roman phallus amulet or two.

Stand in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral and bask in its reverence as you reflect on its history as the central cottaging station for gay men through the ages. Uncover centuries of persecution underneath the City and have a strut down the Sodomite's Walk.

Not the City you knew? Join Andrew and Dani on this excavation of the City of London's LGBT+ past – long since buried, but far from forgotten.

Who is this tour for?

Everyone interested in learning more about the LGBT+ history of London.

What can I expect?

A walking tour taking in some key locations around the Old City.
The tour guides will lead the session, with lots of opportunities for informal chat, questions, and discussion.
The tour takes place mostly outdoors, with long periods of standing and walking. The entire tour is approximately 2 hours long.

Practical information

You will need comfortable shoes suitable for taking part in a 2-hour walk (with several stops), and water for refreshment. You’re welcome to make notes and take photos if you’d like to, but we do ask that you avoid filming.

This route will begin outside the Old Bailey.

Image: Collage of LAMAS collection image of St Paul's

Need to Know

Metadata

Time: 18:30 - 20:30
Price: £22/ £17 concession
Day: Thursday
Duration: 120
Venue: Walking Tour
Tutor: Dani Dinger & Andrew Lumsden
Max Students: 20
Course Code: HS23314
Meeting Point: Outside the Old Bailey

You will learn

A potted history of anti-queer legislation based in/around the Old City
Some personal stories of queer individuals who lived in and around the Old City
Alternative/hidden histories of some notable individuals
How some now all but forgotten people changed the course of queer history

Meet the Guides

Dani Dinger

Dani Dinger has been stomping the streets of the capital since Queer Tours of London was founded in 2017. Dani is part of the Gay Liberation Front, and works with Bishopsgate Institute and London Metropolitan Archive, curating regular queer events. They also work in nightlife, and is part of Team PrEPster.

Learn more

Andrew Lumsden

Andrew Lumsden was among the infuriated queens on the original London Pride march in 1972 and invented Gay News our first national newspaper, which was taken to Court on a charge of blasphemy in 1977. Andrew is the author of Homophobe: Essays on Henry Labouchere.