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Saints, Sinners, and Shakespeare: The Dark Heart of Bankside

1.1 km69 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step out of the sanitized history books and into the mud, blood, and brilliance of Elizabethan London. On this immersive journey through the Bankside Liberties, you will discover a lawless entertainment district where the greatest literature in the English language was born right next door to notorious prisons, brutal blood sports, and church-sanctioned brothels. Uncover the shocking duality of a world where genius and degradation walked hand in hand.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Crossbones Graveyard

An unconsecrated post-medieval burial ground for the 'Winchester Geese'—sex workers licensed by the Bishop of Winchester.

0.43 km • 7 min
2

STOP 2

Winchester Palace Ruins

The remains of the palace of the powerful Bishops of Winchester, who ruled the 'Liberty of the Clink'.

Winchester Palace Ruins

Pic by Marathon on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.07 km • 1 min
3

STOP 3

The Clink Prison Museum

Located on the site of the notorious original Clink prison, which gave its name to all subsequent lock-ups.

The Clink Prison Museum

Pic by Spudgun67 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.28 km • 4 min
4

STOP 4

The Rose Playhouse Site

The site of the first purpose-built playhouse on Bankside (1587), where early plays by Marlowe and Shakespeare were performed.

The Rose Playhouse Site

Pic by Spudgun67 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.09 km • 1 min
5

STOP 5

Bear Gardens

This narrow alleyway marks the epicenter of the Elizabethan blood sports industry.

Bear Gardens

Pic by Chris Whippet on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.19 km • 3 min
6

END

Shakespeare's Globe

The tour culminates at the modern reconstruction of the Globe, providing an immersive experience of the era's 'high art'.

Shakespeare's Globe

Pic by Peter Trimming on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, literature lovers, true crime enthusiasts, and urban explorers looking for the gritty reality behind the Tudor myth.
  • Best time Late afternoon or early evening, when the shadows lengthen and the Thames takes on a moody, atmospheric glow.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be navigating cobblestones and narrow alleys.
  • Weather prep Bring an umbrella. This is London, and the Bankside wind off the Thames can be biting.
  • Pacing Take your time at the Rose Playhouse site to read the plaques; it's easy to miss the details.
  • Post-tour Plan to grab a pint at The Anchor Bankside after the tour to soak in the historic tavern atmosphere.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
0:000:00

Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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