London's skyline is rapidly growing! But 'skyscrapers' have been with us for millennia. Join Ben Eley on a walking tour of London's most iconic skyscraper cluster – the ancient commercial heart of the City of London. This tour considers the many social and economic influences which have pushed buildings higher, reflects on campaigns which seek to curtail tall building aspirations, and focusses in on some of London's most famous skyscrapers.

A walking tour in the City of London revealing its unique status among other boroughs of London. It gives an opportunity to learn about the City – a tiny area, covering just over one square mile packed with history, exclusive rights and peculiar customs. It’s not just a walking tour, it’s also an adventure packed with activities, which unveil a piece of the City you never knew about.

There has been a Bakers' Hall on our current site since 1505. The current incarnation dates from 1964, and is a unique collaboration of old and new. The hall was originally designed by Trehearne and Norman, Preston and Partners in conjunction with Past Master William Newcome- Wright) and is the first of the post-war [World War II] livery halls in a Modernist idiom.

Trehearne and Norman, 1964

Take a guided tour of a beautiful example of a Wren church with unique features

Christopher Wren, 1687

New Livery Hall behind a retained early 20th century façade. This is the seventh Hall in the Leathersellers' Company's history since its foundation in the Middle Ages, and is located on the site of its second Hall.

Eric Parry Architects, 2016

Some of London's best Roman remains, comprising late 2C house with a 3C bath house built within its courtyard. First discovered in 1848.

Roman , 200

Built after the Great Fire of London (1666), St Mary at Hill survived two further major fires, and stood unscathed through the Blitz. Although marked by its experiences, the spectacular interior retains the beauty and grace Wren’s vision.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1677

Coopers' Hall is a late 17th century, timber-framed merchant's house with a Georgian frontage. A Livery Hall since 1957, it features a fine Courtoom, dining room and an impressive staircase spiralling up the entire height of the building. The building displays artefacts of the coopers' trade (the making of wooden casks such as barrels) and is the home of the Worshipful Company of Coopers

Nicholas Barbon, 1690

A walk through the City of London from the Thames (at the pool of London) up to Lloyds of London, site of the former HQ of the East India Company, looking at buildings and architecture built during the time of British Empire.

Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, 1677

A church building has occupied this site for at least a thousand years. Destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, but rebuilt in the 1670s. Known as a Wren church, the architect was Nicholas Young.

Sir Christopher Wren's Office, 1670

The world's founding university settlement. Built to provide educational & social spaces for East Londoners. Neo-Tudor Grade II listed building with notable room decorated by Arts & Crafts designer CR Ashbee. Restoration completed in 2018.

Charles Robert Ashbee, Elijah Hoole, 1884