Discover the enigmatic
architecture and
public realm of the
City of London’s
Eastern Cluster
Join Open City for a walking tour exploring how the unique architecture and public spaces of the Eastern Cluster in London’s Square Mile have now become the setting for some of the most significant debates about the future shape of the capital
This ‘City Limits’ walking tour — led by City of London guide Paul Lincoln — will explore the tensions between heritage and development in the eastern part of the City of London, home to some of the most distinctive architecture in the capital and also some of the most historicly important buildings in the UK.
The walk will look at some of the debates between developers, heritage and religious groups and local residents highlighted during the examination of the City of London Plan.
The walk will examine a district known mainly for financial services but which is now developing new public spaces, public art and landscape projects.
This part of the City is a place of considerable significance, from the Roman London Wall to Bevis Marks Synagogue, the only synagogue in Europe that has held regular services continuously for over 300 years; to St Peter’s Cornhill which stands on the highest point of the City of London, this is a completely fascinating part of London.
The walk will look at the Roman invasion and the building of the London Wall; the development of the City of London as a financial district, the impact of the City of London’s policies and voting system on the planning of the area; the approach to tackling climate emergency and a number of important recent planning decisions.
Key information
Tour start point: Outside The Aldgate Tap Bar, Aldgate Square EC3N 1AF (2nd stop on this tour is the corner of Creechurch Street and Bevis Marks EC3A 7LH)
Duration: 2.5 hours approx
End: Fen Court, 120 Fenchurch Street.
The Fen Court Roof Garden is open to the public if you would like to visit after the tour. Airport style security checks are in operation at the entrance.
Cost: £19.50 / £15.50 / / £13.50 / £9.50
Tickets are non refundable and our tours go ahead rain or shine…
We aim to be inclusive and accessible where possible, please contact Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk to discuss your needs, reduced ticket prices and if you require a free carer ticket or have any additional queries.
Meet the tour guide…
Paul Lincoln is a member of the City of London Guide Lecturers' Association and lives in the City in Golden Lane Estate where he coordinates the campaign: Imagine Golden Lane at Net Zero. He has an interest in the politics of the City of London as well as post-war architecture, landscape and urban design. Paul has an MA in Cities, Design and Regeneration and is also a printmaker at East London Printmakers.
He has been guiding tours with Open City since 2016.
Open City's year-round tours programme is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.