London: Money & Power Walking Tour – Babylon to Bitcoin

5.0 (9 reviews) London, England
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Duration2h 45m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

Explore the story of money on a walking tour through London’s Square Mile, travelling from ancient temples and Babylonian beginnings to modern high finance and Bitcoin.

Trace the evolution of trade, barter and debt through the ages – from gift economies to Babylon's clay tablets and Rome's large-scale debt-driven empire, all the way to the City of London, where those ancient systems reach their most sophisticated form.

We finish with a forward‑looking glimpse at the shift from paper notes and government bonds to digital ledgers, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies

Highlights:

- Discover how history repeats cycles of rising power, mounting debt and empire.

- Learn how temples and churches sit at the heart of the story of money and banking.

- Uncover historic events that reveal the true relationship between money and power.

- Gain a deeper understanding of what money is, and how it differs from “value”.

- Wander the backstreets of the City that gave birth to global finance.

Options

Semi-Private - Up to 4 Persons

Semi-Private - Up to 4 Persons: Enjoy a more personal City of London walking tour for your own small party of up to four guests.

Shared Group Tour — Per Person
1.5-Hour Express Tour

1.5-Hour Express Tour: This 1.5-hour express route is ideal if you are short on time, while still offering an engaging walk through London’s history

What's included

  • Local Guide
  • PDF Overview of Tour
  • Private transportation

What to expect

  1. The Guild Church of ST Mary Aldermary
    10m
    See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.
  2. Royal Exchange Building London
    10m
    Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
  3. London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
    20m
    Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.
  4. St. Edmund The King Church
    10m
    It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.
  5. 5m
    Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.
  6. 10m
    This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  7. Bank of England Museum
    20m
    We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.
  8. 5m
    How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.
  9. Statue of James Henry Greathead
    10m
    We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.
  10. St. Mary Woolnoth Church
    10m
    This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.
  11. 10m
    How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.
  12. 5m
    This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.
  13. Leadenhall Market
    10m
    We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!
  14. 10m
    Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
  15. Garden at 120
    10m
    We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We meet outside Pret on 52-54 Cannon St, London EC4N 6LY, UK.

You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a dragon on my backpack.

End point

We conclude on top of this beautiful building where you can continue to enjoy the view and optionally have something to drink/eat.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Time for travel time is already included in the total duration

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (9)
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