London: Catholic History Walks

St Thomas More statue, Chelsea Old Church Wiki image

From the names of streets and areas (Blackfriars, Whitefriars, Ave Maria Lane, Sanctuary, Covent Garden, Holywell Row and many more) to its beautiful old churches and buildings - London is steeped in Catholic history, ancient and more recent - and who better to act as a guide than the author and broadcaster Joanna Bogle, who begins a new series of walks later this month.

All are welcome. There is no need to book - just turn up! All walks start at 2pm.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY

Tuesday, 17 January - For King and Country, a look at Westminster and St James. Meet 2pm, steps of Westminster Cathedral. Nearest tube: Victoria

Tuesday, 24 January - Smells and Bells, exploring London's Catholic culture over centuries. Meet 2pm steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. Nearest tube: Charing Cross

Tuesday 31 January - The King's Good Servant, walking in the footsteps of St Thomas More. Meet 2pm, steps of the Church of Opur Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More, Cheyne Row, Chelsea. Nearest tube: Sloane Square, then walk/bus along the Kings Road.

Tuesday 7 February - Lift up your heads, O gates! A City walk. Meet 2pm on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral. Nearest tube: St Paul's.

The organisers invite a donation of £5 per person, £3 for the shorter St Thomas More walk. Students, Unemployed, Senior Citizens: contribution according to your means. Children (under 16) accompanied by a full-paying adult: free. (Max three children per adult). Priests, Religious, Seminarians: free. (However, to keep numbers manageable please do not turn up in groups of more than three).

For more information see: www.catholichistorywalks.com - and check ICN's Listings page.