Shape of London

The group studies London in all its aspects eg built environment, history and green spaces, from the earliest times to the present day.  Many of the members volunteer to give talks and lead walks on aspects of London but this is not compulsory.  The group is friendly and supportive and there is always time for questions and discussions.  We also invite guest speakers to address us.  The autumn and spring terms will be devoted to talks and discussions and there will be a series of walks and visits in the summer term.

Shape of London Walks for Summer Term 2026

Continuing our practice of venturing out during the summer

months, we have organised a series of walks at fortnightly intervals throughout the term.

To register, please contact the walk leader, using the information provided. Early registration

is advised to avoid disappointment, as the numbers for each walk will be restricted. All walks

are scheduled to start at 11.00am so please arrive ten minutes earlier to avoid delays.

14th April Keith Kirby Fleet Street and Temple Bar 

Fleet Street was the ancient route from Westminster to the City. Monarchs were met at Temple Bar by the Lord Mayor. Flat walk climbing gently, narrow busy pavements. Duration 60-90 minutes.

Meet 11.00am at Temple underground station booking hall.

Register at keithikirby41@gmail.com. Emergency contact 07716 304 237.

28th April Steve & Jill Marston Holly Lodge Estate 

The Holly Lodge Estate was the country home of Harriet Mellon and Angela Burdett-Coutts in the 19th century. In the 1920s it was sold for housing and laid out in an urban version of the Garden Suburb style. We will walk from the grandest ‘stockbroker Tudor’ houses at the top via the Lady Workers Housing flats to the simpler ‘arts and crafts’ style semis at the bottom and the shops and cafés in Swains Lane. Duration 1½ hours

Meet 11.00am at the top gate of the Holly Lodge Estate, the junction of Highgate West Hill and Holly Lodge Gardens. (214 bus from Highgate village)

Register at Jill.marston@mac.com Emergency contact 07484 330 098.

12th May Stephen Ross Mercers’ Maidens 

Jo Velleman spoke recently about Mercer's Maidens - the crowned and buxom heads of women on the exterior of buildings owned by the Mercers Company.  Each is different -in architraves, on walls, doors or even bollards. The majority are in Covent Garden, and we will gently stroll around the area to see how many we can spot and photograph. (Hint- there are at least 40!). Approx. 1 ½ hours.

Meet 11.00am outside Wyndham’s Theatre next to Leicester Square tube

Register at stephenross79@gmail.com Emergency contact 07540 437 466

For pre-walk literature only contact Jo Velleman at byjove55@icloud.com.

26th May Michael Lewin North Bank of the Thames 

This walk is based upon an article included in a Londonist blog by Matt Brown on 11" February. It also visits some locations mentioned in my London’s Public Conveniences talk, including last year’s ‘Loo of the Year’ and will be curtailed at the Queenhithe mosaic and close to the site of Whittington’s Longhouse, which are both a short walk from Bank station. Approx. 1½ to 2 hours.

Meet 11.00am at Westminster tube station, riverside exit. 

Register at michaelglewin@gmail.com Emergency contact 07884 122 942. featuring Matilda’s toilet offering.

9th June Alison Watson Greenwich

We will walk into Greenwich Park, a World Heritage site, via the herb garden then along the herbaceous border walk. We will return via the Thames path to the station or if enough people are interested, continue uphill walking a perimeter path with fine views. We will pass many fine old trees planted when it was a deer park, Roman and Anglo- Saxon remains, a pond with a fountain and return by the Rose  Garden and an early 18th century conduit. Approx. 1½ or 2½ hours.

Meet 11.00am at Cutty Sark DLR station at street level exit.

Register at alison.watson9@gmail.com. Emergency contact 07530 479 170.

23rd June Frank Kelsall St James’s

St. James’s was established after the Restoration in 1660 as an aristocratic quarter close to royal palaces. Some great houses remain, most in institutional use, and then in the 19" century it became clubland. The Conservation Area contains 60 Grade | and II* buildings. We will investigate the quieter area between Jermyn Street and Pall Mall.

Meet 11.00am at the pavilion on the south side of St James’s Square

Register at frank.kelsall@architecturalhistory.co.uk In emergency 07808 063 880