Heroes or Villains?….you decide!

Someone’s hero can be someone else’s villain.
Someone can be a hero and a villain at the same
time…and sometimes a hero and a villain can be – a
tree!
‘What on earth?’ you may ask.
The majestic London Plane tree (Platens x hispanica) –
is a true hero with its ability to adapt to city living and
actively reduce air pollution – yet also a villain to
London’s native wildlife (yes, London does have thriving
wildlife) because it offers nothing in terms of food for
their sustenance.
However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg (and we
haven’t even got to the humans yet!).
Join Sarah Brierley to hear a host of stories about
heroes and villains connected to the City of London.
Take Samuel Pepys, for example. Many regard him as a
hero because of his famous diaries. The written
accounts of his life from the years 1660-1669 have given
an important insight into life at that time, and some say
his diary entries about the Great Fire of London are the
most valuable historic resource on the subject. What
isn’t mentioned widely however, are the diary entries
that record his serial adultery and less than genteel
behaviour towards his wife.

The walk begins in Guildhall Yard and leads on to
explore many other gems, including the site of a Wren
church that exists somewhere else in the world now, the
City of London’s largest park (a whopping 0.67 acres!)
and the execution spot of a Scottish hero. The walk
ends at the Central Criminal court with the story of
loveable London rogue, John ‘Jack’ Sheppard, hero of
the people – but villain to the local police constabulary!