A Great Political Maze: Mayfair in the Eighteenth Century
Mayfair was built up through the eighteenth century. This was a time when democratic systems were evolving albeit marked by corruption and nepotism and impacted by wars, trade and the development of empire. Politics got everywhere including in music, satire and fashion.
Tuesday - May 20th 6pm
We trace a diagonal course through Mayfair including three of its grand squares, passed some of its great surviving eighteenth century buildings and Parish church and the statues to and homes of some of the most powerful players in this theatre such as William Pitt, the Younger, Charles James Fox and Robert Clive. We include great international wars, urban riots and a mysterious suicide.
This walk is especially relevant in 2025 on the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the War of American Independence.
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The Westminster Guides ( the CWGLA – City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association), are the official walking tour guides in the borough of Westminster. Westminster Guides are proud to support London Walking Festival 2025.
They can be recognised by their distinctive badge Visit their website: https://westminsterguides.org.
Follow them on: Instagram @westminsterguides, Twitter/X @WminsterGuides, and Facebook @westminsterguides
About festival week events
We will be hosting a run of festival weeks and events curated by our partners big and small. Each week will see workshops, talks, walks, and cultural activities taking place in and around our pop-up Visitors Centre at 80 Mortimer Street.
For an up to date list of Festival weeks, please visit:Â nationalparkcity.london/events
Contact Louis Rutherford on louis.rutherford@nationalparkcity.org for more details on each Festival Week or if you would like to discuss hosting your own event.
more walking festival events
A Weekend of Wildness on Screen: London Nature Films Festival
What made this festival so special wasn’t just the storytelling — it was the gathering. Filmmakers, campaigners, walkers, foragers, gardeners, policy-shapers and pavement-crack gazers all under one roof, sipping foraged tea and vegan curry, sharing questions and possibilities.
Festival Week: London Climate Action Week
Dates: 21st – 29th June
One of the world’s largest independent climate-change events.
Festival Week: Grow Urban Festival
Dates: 7th – 15th June
The grassroots festival promoting greening and growing across London.
Festival Week: Repair Week
Dates: 3rd – 9th March
The collaborative repair and reuse festival helping divert your pre-loved items from landfill.
Festival Week: Happier Outdoors
Dates: 7th – 16th April
10 days of nature, health and happiness in Greater London – back for a second year!
