Power, politics & the law in London
Experience hosted by Rosie
2.5 hours
Up to 8 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
I like to call this power-themed guided walk 'A Power Trip'. On it we explore London's shifting landscape of power. Our route will take us in search of 'The Man' - those often rather anonymous forces of power, influence and control in the capital. On our way, we'll encounter the taxman, the military man, God (!) to name but a few. We'll find them reflected in the buildings, statues and street furniture that we pass, and in the area's history.
We'll also go inside the Royal Courts of Justice, somewhere few Londoners ever visit. I'll take guests into a court room to sit in on a hearing and observe a judge in action.
Expect an engaging and provocative introduction to English political, legal and constitutional history, and plenty of food for thought about the balance of power - and the extent of our personal freedoms - today. These issues couldn’t be more relevant given the UK's unfolding Brexit drama which has questioned the balance of power between Parliament, EU institutions, the Prime Minister, ‘the People’ and the courts.
As one of my guests recently commented, this is a 'thinking tour' in that it raises lots of questions for people to ponder. I keep groups small (max 8 people, but generally fewer) to allow us all to get to know each other, with plenty of opportunity to discuss the issues raised.
We'll also go inside the Royal Courts of Justice, somewhere few Londoners ever visit. I'll take guests into a court room to sit in on a hearing and observe a judge in action.
Expect an engaging and provocative introduction to English political, legal and constitutional history, and plenty of food for thought about the balance of power - and the extent of our personal freedoms - today. These issues couldn’t be more relevant given the UK's unfolding Brexit drama which has questioned the balance of power between Parliament, EU institutions, the Prime Minister, ‘the People’ and the courts.
As one of my guests recently commented, this is a 'thinking tour' in that it raises lots of questions for people to ponder. I keep groups small (max 8 people, but generally fewer) to allow us all to get to know each other, with plenty of opportunity to discuss the issues raised.
I like to call this power-themed guided walk 'A Power Trip'. On it we explore London's shifting landscape of power. Our route will take us in search of 'The Man' - those often rather anonymous forces of power, influence and control in the capital. On our way, we'll encounter the taxman, the military man, God (!) to name but a few. We'll find them reflected in the buildings, statues and street furniture that we pass, and in the area's history.…
Rosie's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practising good hygiene and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
- 40 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm a life-long Londoner. I'm the founder of Dotmaker Tours and have been hosting surprising walks here for over 6 years. This walk blends my love of London and its history with a fascination with power.
I have a degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. I then qualified as a solicitor and worked in the UK's Government Legal Department, specialising in planning and environmental law. There, it was my job to know the limits of the power of the state, the extent of our rights as individuals, and the role that our judges have in resolving disputes.
My legal background informs how I think about power but this is not a tour of legal London. (We won't be touring the Inns of Court, or visiting the Old Bailey.)
These days, I combine leading walks for dotmakertours.co.uk with producing spoken audio features.
I have a degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. I then qualified as a solicitor and worked in the UK's Government Legal Department, specialising in planning and environmental law. There, it was my job to know the limits of the power of the state, the extent of our rights as individuals, and the role that our judges have in resolving disputes.
My legal background informs how I think about power but this is not a tour of legal London. (We won't be touring the Inns of Court, or visiting the Old Bailey.)
These days, I combine leading walks for dotmakertours.co.uk with producing spoken audio features.
I'm a life-long Londoner. I'm the founder of Dotmaker Tours and have been hosting surprising walks here for over 6 years. This walk blends my love of London and its history with a fascination with power.
I have a degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. I then qualified as a solicitor and worked in the UK's Government Legal Department, specialising in planning and environmental law. There, it was my job to know the limits of the power of the state, the exten…
I have a degree in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. I then qualified as a solicitor and worked in the UK's Government Legal Department, specialising in planning and environmental law. There, it was my job to know the limits of the power of the state, the exten…
Where you'll be
We'll start by the River Thames on Waterloo Bridge with fantastic views across London. We'll pass through Somerset House courtyard and along the Strand to the Royal Courts of Justice. I'll take guests inside this extraordinary cathedral to justice, and into a court room to witness a judge in action. From there we'll head along Fleet Street ducking into the area's side streets and back alleys, and finish up by St Paul's Cathedral.
The walk with Rosie was a fantastically entertaining and insightful tour. Rosie was very knowledgeable and friendly, she presented a thoughtful analysis of the power relations of London in an engaging and creative way. She was really fun and personable and we engaged in some great conversation. A great tour for curious thinkers!
The walk with Rosie was a fantastically entertaining and insightful tour. Rosie was very knowledgeable and friendly, she presented a thoughtful analysis of the power relations of L…
A remarkably fascinating walk through various centers of British cultural, governmental and economic power and influence. The stop at the Royal Courts of Justice to observe horse-hair-wig-wearing barristers engaged in a civil trial was worth the price of the tour alone! Rosie’s diverse professional expertise, enthusiasm, and engaging personality definitely added to the experience. All in all, a memory-making part of my London vacation.
A remarkably fascinating walk through various centers of British cultural, governmental and economic power and influence. The stop at the Royal Courts of Justice to observe horse…
Rosie was a dynamic, energetic, and welcoming tour guide. The hook of the tour — “the Man” — referred to all of the currents of power that drive the City of London, and served as the hook for the tour. We even got to sit in on a trial in the Royal Courts of Justice. Absolutely fascinating if you’re into city planning, history, law, politics, or all of the above. I can’t wait to take another of Rosie’s tours on a future trip to London!
Rosie was a dynamic, energetic, and welcoming tour guide. The hook of the tour — “the Man” — referred to all of the currents of power that drive the City of London, and served as t…
Rosie was a breath of fresh air with a wealth of knowledge of London’s history and judicial system. She proposed a few questions for us to ponder and allowed us to speak candidly to express our ideas about “the man” and the influences he may have on society. It was an interesting tour - different from the others bc it wasn’t simply a tour of the city - it was a thinking tour, and we like that.
Rosie was a breath of fresh air with a wealth of knowledge of London’s history and judicial system. She proposed a few questions for us to ponder and allowed us to speak candidly…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 8 guests ages 18 and up can attend.
What to bring
Dress for the weather as we'll mostly be outside (eg warm clothes/umbrella).