Medieval London Day Trip - Thursday 27 November 2025

Course overview

Although most of medieval London was destroyed in the Great Fire that overwhelmed the city in September 1666, there are still surviving corners of the great medieval city that once stood here, which you can see if you know where to look.

We invite you to join Dr Sarah James and Dr Michael Paraskos exploring some of the rare medieval survivors of the architecture that once dominated the city, and some of the buildings that came to replace it.

Starting our journey at the truly ancient church of St Bartholomew the Great, we will see one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in London. Moving onto St Ethelreda Farringdon, we will discover not only a forgotten gothic gem, but learn something of the extraordinary story of the saint to whom the church is dedicated.

Finally we will see how Christopher Wren and others used the destruction of the Great Fire in 1666 to establish a new style of church architecture in England, culminating in St Paul's Cathedral itself, with its surprising links to its medieval past.

Combining architectural history from Michael and literary and church history from Sarah, this informal but informative jaunt around London is a great way to discover some of the more surprising and hidden sights of the city, and get in the mood for the Christmas holidays!

No previous experience is needed - all welcome (although please be aware there will be quite a bit of walking between the locations on the trip) 

Date and times

•  Day trip: Thursday 27 November 2025 - 10:30 to 15:30

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Dr Michael Paraskos: m.paraskos@imperial.ac.uk

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).