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London: Money & Power Walking Tour – Babylon to Bitcoin

5London

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Overview

Explore the story of money on a walking tour through London’s Square Mile, travelling from ancient temples and Babylonian beginnings to modern high finance and Bitcoin. Trace the evolution of trade, barter and debt through the ages – from gift economies to Babylon's clay tablets and Rome's large-scale debt-driven empire, all the way to the City of London, where those ancient systems reach their most sophisticated form. We finish with a forward‑looking glimpse at the shift from paper notes and government bonds to digital ledgers, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies Highlights: - Discover how history repeats cycles of rising power, mounting debt and empire. - Learn how temples and churches sit at the heart of the story of money and banking. - Uncover historic events that reveal the true relationship between money and power. - Gain a deeper understanding of what money is, and how it differs from “value”. - Wander the backstreets of the City that gave birth to global finance.

  • Local Guide
  • PDF Overview of Tour
  • Not included: Private transportation

We meet outside Pret on 52-54 Cannon St, London EC4N 6LY, UK. You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a dragon on my backpack.

We conclude on top of this beautiful building where you can continue to enjoy the view and optionally have something to drink/eat.

Meeting and Pickup

  1. See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.

  2. Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.

  3. Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.

  4. It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.

  5. Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.

  6. This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.

  7. We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.

  8. How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.

  9. We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.

  10. This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.

  11. How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.

  12. This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.

  13. We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!

  14. Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

  15. We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Not recommended for pregnant travelers Public transportation options are available nearby Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible Suitable for all physical fitness levels Time for travel time is already included in the total duration

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

English, English

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From US$20.32