Follow in the footsteps of Jewish immigrants through the ages with your own exclusive tour guide in a private London taxi tour that will give you an insight into the struggles new arrivals were faced with as they tried to integrate into British life. The primary focus of this experience is the arrival and integration of Jewish people and their influence on British culture, food and society.
This unique bespoke London taxi tour has been devised by David the ‘Capital Cabbie’ and begins with the backdrop of the 15th Century Guildhall and the magnificent Wren designed church of St Lawrence Jewry; we discover that we are in the midst of the first London Jewish ghetto. From here, the Jewish East End Tour plots the route of Jewish people’s arrival in Britain from medieval times through to the vibrant multicultural street scene of Brick Lane. Along the way, you will find out about the persecution and expulsion of Jewish people under King Edward I and the later readmission under Oliver Cromwell. We will follow the path of the Eastern European Jews escaping from the pogroms of the 1800’s and their integration into British society and culture. We also encounter the horrors of the 20th Century holocaust and the stories of ingenuity and sacrifice behind the Kindertransport memorial.
We celebrate the Battle of Cable Street of 1936 when the local community stood shoulder to shoulder with Jewish people to prevent the fascist movement from marching through the Jewish East End. We will visit some of the nooks, crannies and alleyways of London’s Jewish Quarter, discovering some of Britain’s oldest synagogues, Bevis Marks and Sandys Row. We stroll down Petticoat Lane, site of a vibrant street market and the centre of the garment industry and sweatshops of the 19th Century.
On this heritage sight-seeing London cab tour, we will visit Spitalfields and Brick Lane which was the hub of the Jewish Quarter of the 20th Century and has also played a vital role in welcoming other immigrants to our shores, namely the Huguenots, Irish and Bangladeshis. Of late, Brick Lane has become the centre of London’s street art scene, featuring work work by Banksy, Stik and Roa, as well as hosting some of London’s finest curry houses, beigles and beer.
Points of Interest
- London
- Bottled water included
- Light snacks provided
- Gratuity
Starting against the backdrop of the 15th-century Guildhall and the grand St Lawrence Jewry Church designed by Wren, we embark on a journey through London’s Jewish ghetto. Tracing the path of Jewish migration into Britain from medieval times to the bustling Brick Lane of today, you’ll learn about their history. Learn about the tragic expulsions of Jews under King Edward I and subsequently their reentry during the reign of Oliver Cromwell. We follow the journey of Eastern European Jews fleeing from the 19th-century pogroms and merging into British society and culture. The tour isn’t afraid to delve into the terror of the holocaust and shares courageous stories tied to the Kindertransport memorial.
The historic 1936 Battle of Cable Street - where the local community unflinchingly stopped a fascist march in the Jewish East End - is remembered and celebrated. We will also explore London’s most aged synagogues and take a casual walk down Petticoat Lane.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
