Price: Starting from USD $69.68 per personDuration: 3.5 hours
For centuries, the East End of London has been a significant locale for London's gay community. You will be taken on a journey of the area, the places, haunts and buildings that have played a role in shaping the gay movement here in the UK and across the world.
Throughout history the area has absorbed waves of immigrants who have each added a new dimension to the culture and history of the area. Most notably the French Protestant Huguenots in the 17th century, the Irish in the 18th century, Ashkenazi Jews fleeing Eastern Europe towards the end of the 19th century and the Bangladesh community settling in the UK from the 1960s. Today, the east end has a growing reputation as one of Europe's most creative enclaves, attracting a buzzing community of artists, creative folk and free thinkers.
The East End: Past & Present tour, exclusive to Viator, has been designed to showcase the old and the new. You will visit where Quentin Crisp posed for nude art classes in the 1930s, hence the title of his autobiography 'The Naked Civil Servant' and the site of a 'Molly House' a gay, bisexual men's pub raided in 1727.
Along the way you will see where Philosopher Jeremy Bentham was born who then went onto write 'Offences Against One's Self' the earliest defence of homosexuality. You will be introduced to approximately fifteen places of historic and contemporary significance as you move beyond the tourist trail to discover an alternative view of London life.
However, we don't forget today on your quest as we point out the studios of renowned, eccentric British conceptual artists Gilbert and George, and the pubs and neighbourhoods that attract London's gay creative and style elite.
For gay visitors to London this is a journey of discovery and insight as we remember the significant role the East End played, and continues to play in the lives of gay men across the UK and the world.
