In May 1668 Pepys wrote in his diary that he went ‘abroad to Marrowbone’ as he called it then a coach ride from the City.

Although Marylebone has changed just a bit in the intervening centuries there are still remnants of the past to be found which remind us of its rich history.

We will hear about the shell grotto in modern day Grotto Passage and then walk towards a street formerly known as Burying Ground Passage and hear about the notorious antics of its residents.

We will discover some of the history of local pubs including one where in 1870 the ‘manly, athletic game of skittles’ could be played; the same pub being a regular venue for inquests.

Although many of the pubs are more like restaurants today there are still some gems to be found and halfway through the walk we will have a 30 minute stop in a pub with a very unusual interior. No drinks are included in the price of the tour.

The meeting place is in the gardens of St Marylebone Parish Church, Marylebone High Street directly opposite 55 Marylebone High Street.

The nearest tube stations are Baker Street and Regent’s Park.

The walk finishes close to Bond Street tube.

Joanna leads regular walks and virtual tours in and around the West End, Clerkenwell and Islington and further afield in Walthamstow and Chingford