London left an indelible mark on Shakespeare. On this walking tour with former actor turned Blue Badge guide and Context Travel expert Tim Barron, you’ll gain insight into the renowned playwright’s personal and professional life in the bustling city. Starting in front of the Blackfriar Pub, you’ll explore the Blackfriars area and Southwark borough where Shakespeare lived and worked. As you walk, you’ll hear all about the Bard’s life, from the enigmatic ”lost years” to the inspiration behind his iconic works. You’ll stroll past various spots that are central to the history of theater in the city, including the original site of the Globe Theatre, the Rose Theatre, and the George Pub, where he performed. Tim will tell you about the challenges and triumphs of show business’ early days. He’ll reveal how Shakespeare and his contemporaries navigated the city’s volatile theatrical landscape, and offer you a peek into the vibrant cultural milieu of Elizabethan London. Along the way, you’ll: • Dive into the fascinating history of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, from its reconstruction by Sam Wannamaker to its role in preserving Shakespeare’s legacy • Visit the oldest Gothic church in London, Southwark Cathedral, where Shakespeare, Fletcher, Jonson, Dickens and other literary giants have all prayed during its over 1,000-year history • Take in Hampton Court, where Shakespeare’s players performed *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* in its Great Hall • Look down Cardinal Cap Alley, the site of a notorious brothel during Shakespeare’s times • Find out how Shakespeare and his friends would entertain travelers waiting to enter the city by the London Bridge • Spot Shakespeare’s former London home • See a reconstruction of the Golden Hinde (a 17th-century ship) and learn how the Bard featured maritime exploits in his work As we delve into Shakespeare’s legacy, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of his impact on literature, theater, and the world at large. By the end of this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a good sense of this influential writer and the enduring power of his storytelling.