How to book a London Historians event.
Our events booking system is currently hosted by Humanitix. Some are for members only, others not. To get early news for all of our events please use our Host Page at Humanitix or better still, follow us from there. Note that most of our events become fully-booked. Thanks.
To be eligible to attend ALL our events, please Join London Historians today!
London Historians' Monthly Pub Meet
A London Historians Event
We meet for an informal social gathering on the first Wednesday of the month. All welcome, not just LH members.
Tables are booked for 6.30pm, but some of us are often there earlier and many members stay until Last Orders.
Find us in the upstairs room at the superb Bishop’s Finger – adjacent to Smithfield Market at 9-10 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9JR – just5-10 minutes’ walk from Barbican or Farringdon stations.
Wed 5 August; Wed 2 September; Wed 7 October; Wed 4 November; Wed 2 December.
Bethlem Museum of the Mind
A London Historians Event
Weds 19 August 2026, 1300h – 1400h. Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Beckenham.
Situated within the hospital grounds of Bethlem Royal Hospital, probably the oldest psychiatric hospital in the world, in a stunning Art Deco building shared with the Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Museum of the Mind was formally in March 2015. The museum cares for an internationally renowned collection of archives, art and historic objects, which together offer an unparalleled resource to support the history of mental healthcare and treatment. Our visit will comprise an introduction by the Archvist or Librarian of the institution followed by a self-guided tour of the facility. The whole event should last around an hour. Bethlem Hospital is the fourth home of the famous asylum for the mentally ill known as ‘Bedlam’, which had an often much darker history than its modern equivalent today.
Proceeds from your ticket price will go towards The Bethlem Art and History Collections Trust. London Historians Members only. Join London Historians.
The Depths of Whitechapel
A London Historians Event
Guided walk.
Wed 2 September, 3 – 4.30pm starting Shadwell.
The immigrant story looms large of course, but there is also a Hawksmoor church, boxing, an angel GP, ghost industry, and where inter-War East End couples went for the glamour wedding photo. A small slice of the Jack the Ripper story also appears. Starting at Shadwell Station and finishing outside Aldgate East tube, join professional tour guide and LH Member Colin Davey for a tramp round some lesser-visited streets.
“More info and to book.“https://events.humanitix.com/depths-of-whitechapel
Household Cavalry Museum
A London Historians Event
Tuesday 8 September 6.00 – 7.30 pm, Horseguards
This event comprises a gin and tonic reception and guided tour of the museum including a visit to the stables by special permission! Discover the traditions, uniforms and daily life of the Household Cavalry and hear fascinating stories from centuries of royal service. Perfect for gin lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a truly London-only experience, this tour offers a memorable taste of military tradition, both literally and figuratively. Raise a glass to history at the Household Cavalry Museum. Cheers!
This event is for London Historians Members only.
Join London Historians.
HMP Wandsworth 175
A London Historians Event
Monday 14 September, 6.30 -8.00 pm. Sir Christopher Hatton, Holborn
Wandsworth Prison, opening in 1851 as the Surrey House of Correction, has housed some of London’s most notorious villainy, from Jack the Ripper suspects, John Haigh, the Acid Bath murderer, Great Train Robbers, the Krays to name a few. Oscar Wilde also served time there. It was also the site of 135 executions. There are stories of the First and Second World Wars, conscientious objectors and traitors. Prison escapes that made headlines. The staff that worked there, Governors, Officers and others, all have their stories to be told. This illustrated talk will bring these stories to life. Our speaker, Stewart McLaughlin, is a retired prison officer and the founding and current curator of the HMP Wandsworth museum. He has written several books on subjects pertaining and is a long-standing Member of London Historians.
HMP Wandsworth Museum and Tour
A London Historians Event
Sunday 20 September 1200h – 14.30h
Sunday 27 September 1200h – 14.30h
HMP Wandsworth
A guided tour of historic Wandsworth Prison (1851) and the prison’s private museum led by the facility’s historian and archivist Stewart McLaughlin, a recently retired prison officer and London Historians Member. For security reasons, only 10 places. All attendees 18 or over.
20 September more info and booking.
27 September more info and booking.
London Historians Members only. Join London Historians.
London Historians Events
Walks, talks, site visits, pub meet-ups
Most of our events are for LH members only, so the only way to be in with a chance is to join us! You can do so here
You can view the current schedule of walks and talks here – be sure to click on the Follow button within the link to receive email alerts as new events are added.
Here are some previous London Historians events:
Ironmongers’ Hall
Berry Bros & Rudd, wine merchants
Golders Green Crematorium
Free and Affordable Lectures
Several institutions host wonderful history lectures which are either free or cost very little.
The venerable Gresham College holds free lectures at its HQ in Barnards Inn, Holborn and also at Museum of London. Details.
Guildhall Library has free lunchtime lectures and £5 evening ones, which include a glass of wine. Details
