Andrew Taylor’s historical novel Ashes of London begins in the immediate aftermath of the Great Fire of London, when a body is found in the ruins of the old St Paul’s Cathedral. On this tour we visit some of the key places featured in the novel, starting at the cathedral itself and finishing in what used to be the lawless area of Alsatia, in Fleet Street. On the way we will learn about the turbulent events of the 17th century, including the execution of Charles I, and meet the diarist Samuel Pepys, who wrote a vivid first-hand account of the Great Fire.

Join me to walk in the footsteps of Cat and Marwood and discover what life was like in the aftermath of the Great Fire.

Please note that the tour is all outside and will take place whatever the weather, so please wear suitable clothing and shoes. It takes 90 minutes and finishes at Gough Square, off Fleet Street. 7PX

Here’s a review from a happy customer on Footprints of London’s TripAdvisor page:

Jenny Mill’s tour takes you round the area near St Paul’s, and back into London at the time of the Great Fire – she finds lots of interesting nooks and crannies which chime with places in this historical crime novel. The walk is suitable for those who know the book well, but without spoiling it for those who haven’t read it yet. Jenny’s very informative and friendly, and we learnt a lot!