The Ballad Walk of St Giles
Camden Guides and Vivien Ellis
Next Date
Saturday, 3 October 2026
11:00 – 13:00
3, 4, 17 & 18 Oct, 11.00 am
4 walks 3-18 Oct (click - See All Dates). Discover the dramatic stories of St Giles-in-the-Fields and Seven Dials, through this walk featuring ballad performances and spoken commentary.
Discover dramatic stories of 17th to 19th century St Giles-in-the-Fields and the trades and printing industry of Seven Dials. Through spoken commentary and sung ballads this walk brings first-hand experience of street life in the area during the times of Pepys and Dickens.
Singer and researcher Vivien Ellis with Camden Guides lead you through a ballad walk which provides a direct connection to the characters and stories of the past.
The ballads have been researched and gathered by Vivien with a group of volunteers and the support of the University of Cambridge Rare Books Library, British Library, Charles Dickens Museum and Camden Archives.
Approximate running time 2 hours. Audience participation encouraged!
Originally conceived by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the Strange Doings in London Heritage project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Please note: This walk takes us along the pavements of St Giles/Seven Dials area; pavements may be uneven or not have level access.
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