Smithfield Uncovered: Rebels and Retribution
Duration
2 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Many rebels faced grim fates while challenging authority in Smithfield
Walk in the footsteps of queens revolutionaries monks and murderers
See a notorious execution site Black Death burial ground and shrapnel damage
Discover Tudor architectural gems and other remarkable historical structures
€ 33.6
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Smithfield is one of London’s most fascinating areas, rich with history, dramatic stories, and remarkable architecture. The neighborhood is home to some of the city’s oldest institutions, including its oldest parish church and hospital, and has long been a site of conflict, violence, and rebellion. Over the centuries, many rebels have challenged those in power in Smithfield, often meeting a grim fate, leaving behind a legacy of resistance and intrigue. Walking through this historic district, visitors can uncover the layers of its past, from medieval times to more recent events, revealing a neighborhood shaped by struggle, resilience, and remarkable human stories.
On this tour, we will follow in the footsteps of queens, revolutionaries, monks, murderers, and merry-makers. Highlights include a notorious execution site, a Black Death burial ground, surviving World War One shrapnel damage, and a Tudor architectural gem. If open, the tour may also include a visit inside the historic St Bartholomew the Great church, providing further insight into Smithfield’s enduring significance. For those unable to attend on scheduled dates or preferring to explore independently, a self-guided option is available through a downloadable Google map featuring over 300 historic locations highlighted on the blog and Instagram. Additional blog posts and Instagram reels provide context, stories, and hidden insights, ensuring a thorough and engaging experience of this captivating part of London.
Guided tour with historian
Learn Smithfield’s rich history
Explore hidden dramatic landmarks
Entrance fees to museums or buildings
Food and drinks
Transportation
Gratuities
Comfortable walking shoes
A bottle of water
A camera & phone
Arrive 10 minutes early for prompt departure
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The tour is conducted entirely in English for all participants
The tour involves walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces
The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress for the weather
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: Living London History
Customer Reviews
JLPGH
What a wonderful tour! Not only does Lorcan discuss the key events of the 1916 Rising, but he also talks about a number of other historical events and figures. He provided a lot of insight and perspective into the events of the period as well as some very interesting tidbits that I had not known before. Lorcan was a joy to learn from and talk to. I hope to get back to Dublin, and if so, I will do this tour again. I'd also recommend being prepared for a nice Irish rain just in case. Thanks, Lorcan!
Paul
Four of us from Canada toured the Easter Rising sites in Dublin on 19 September 2025 with Ben Shorten. Ben is most knowledgable about not only about the Uprising, but also Dublin and Irish history. His tour was most interesting and informative, and we visited those sites that were especially particular to the rebellion. He provided informed answers to all of our queries about the sites that we visited, and was a most congenial host. We very much enjoyed his tour and his company. Should we visit Dublin again, we’ll seek out Ben as our tour guide.
MRC
I thoroughly recommend this tour, the guide was engaging and passionate, and I came away with a deeper understanding of Dublin, the Easter Rising and its great significance in Irish History. Thank you so much.
Kevin
This was, without a doubt, the most immersive walking tour I have ever been on. Our tour guide was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the 1916 rising. The amount of detail was staggering. You'll start in a pub basement and end at the post office. There's plenty in between! If you're a fan of history, you'll eat this up! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Sean
A must-do while in Dublin - our tour guide, Donal, was incredible! Informative, funny, and really provides a lot of useful context to a lot of the other historical sights and stories you see elsewhere in Ireland; can't recommend this strongly enough while you're in Dublin!