THE GENTLE AUTHOR'S TOUR OF WHITECHAPEL

Join The Gentle Author for a two-hour walking tour of sightseeing and storytelling along the Whitechapel Road, culminating in tea and cake at the Whitechapel Gallery.

Once regarded as the ‘back entrance to London’, this has always been a place of transience but in recent centuries it has become enriched by multiple waves of immigration, delivering the vital cultural life of Whitechapel today.

Visit the site of London’s first purpose built theatre from 1567, learn about the White Raven which served as a refuge for ‘black poor’ in the 18th century, wonder at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry founded in 1570, explore the Pavilion Theatre the Whitechapel Mound, and discover where Joseph Merrick known as the ‘Elephant Man’ was displayed before he was rescued by surgeon Frederick Treves from the London Hospital.

‘In the flesh The Gentle Author is an even better storyteller, a magician of social history who brings the past alive and reanimates the present.’ Patrick Barkham, The Oldie

Commissioned by The Whitechapel Gallery with the support of the Golsoncott Foundation

For inquiries about schools and college groups and private tours, please contact spitalfieldslife@gmail.com

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

• Please be punctual or early for your Tour because we are unable to wait for latecomers under any circumstances.
• The guided Tour takes around two hours, ending back at the Whitechapel Gallery by tea and cake.
• Tours will proceed whatever the weather so, if the forecast is grim, wrap up warm and bring your umbrella. Equally, if you temperatures are rising you might carry a water bottle.
• Tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged or transferred.
• The Gentle Author's Tour is limited to 25 guests, therefore we are unable to accommodate any changes or cancellations.
• Complimentary tea and cake is included in the ticket price.
• Our cakes are baked in a kitchen where nuts, gluten and other allergens are present.
• The tour is best enjoyed by those over 12 years old.
• Please ensure you stay on the pavement, cross roads carefully, and follow safety instructions from the tour guide at all times.

For more information, please read our Terms & Conditions before your Tour.

ACCESSIBILITY

• We will do our utmost to make the Tour accessible to those who may have special requirements.
• For assistance please email spitalfieldslife@gmail.com
• We offer one complimentary ticket for a carer accompanying someone with special requirements.