Written history records only the rich and famous, because poor women do nothing interesting – right? No! Ordinary working women had interesting, varied lives in the Middle Ages, and this walk shows what they were like. You’ll meet 6 women who lived and worked near the Thames in Southwark in the 14th century: scullery maid, victualler, laundress, alewife, sex worker, huckster. I’m joined by Rob Smith, longtime London guide and friend, who gives historical context: the result is a dialogue about what makes history.

We’ll start at the south end of London Bridge and finish on the north side of the river near the Millenium Bridge. The distance is about 3 miles taking 2.5 – 3 hours depending on crowds, and we have a rest stop halfway through. We’ll be walking on pavements, not the foreshore, so no special shoes are required, but there are stairs to climb up and down as well as bumpy uneven cobbles, so this walk isn’t recommended if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards Rob and I retire to a pub, where we invite you to join us if you’d like to continue the conversation (and look at pictures).

Laura Agustín is a medieval historian and anthropologist interested in illuminating the lives of unnamed people in history. The Naked Anthropologist is Laura’s longtime blog, now dedicated to historical walks that highlight issues of Gender, Sex and Class.