MEET YOUR GUIDE
Meet opposite one of London’s finest hospitals and end at the chapel of a rival hospital that has been razed to the ground. Learn about the medical discoveries at University College Hospital and at the now extinct Middlesex Hospital on the other side of Tottenham Court Road. We’ll talk about the discovery of the hormone aldosterone, early identification of HIV, novel cancer therapies and growing mini eyes to understand blindness among other medical marvels.
In between, explore the architectural gem of Fitzroy Square and learn about some of the characters who have lived there from author Virginia Woolf to artist Tracey Emin of unmade bed fame.
Hear about a buccaneer of the high seas, a mighty Venezualan military leader and see the place that Gandhi visited and serves the cheapest good quality Indian food in London. Look at an optical illusion on the outside of a neuroscience research building, see the site of an old workhouse, international street food, the architectural mix from Georgian to ultramodern and end the tour with a quiet moment in an exquisite Byzantine-style chapel.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ann teaches the next generation of doctors at University College London Medical School. She broadcasts on BBC radio as well as writing a research roundup for the British Medical Journal. She was a health columnist for the Guardian newspaper. She’s a real Londoner. She was born, studied, gave birth and worked in the UCL area as a junior hospital doctor and most recently as a GP for homeless people. She’s written books on women’s health and embarrassing problems so nothing fazes her or makes her blush. Anything else? Yes, she’s a knowledgeable guide specialising in her neighbourhood (the London borough of Camden). In short, an unbeatable combination: local knowledge and connections, lived experience and top flight professional expertise.
Mike Sullivan –
A fascinating insight into a part of London that is overlooked. Ann was an absolute delight and given her medical background, this added an extra personal dimension to the walk. It was great to delve into the history of ‘Fitzrovia’ and to gain a sense of those individuals who brought it to public attention. A thoroughly enjoyable walk which included a preserved body, a beautiful historic square, a lovely hidden pub, and the gorgeous chapel among the many surprises uncovered. And to boot, the group itself to round off a perfect afternoon. Thanks again Ann.
Christine Taylor –
What a bonus, meeting Ann who led this interesting and informative walk. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable 2 hrs, which included time for a quick drink in a fabulous pub we would never have discovered. We will definitely be back in spring to carry on exploring this area. Ann…..what about Fabulous Fitzrovia part two for 2025??!
Helen Stern –
Dr Ann was an amazing guide! I so enjoyed hearing about the history of a part of London that I had visited often but knew so little about. Ann knew so much about Fitzrovia as well as the history of medicine there and had many fascinating stories to tell. As a Dr who had trained in the now demolished Middlesex Hospital and still teaches medical students at UCLH she has a personal connection that adds to the charm of the walk. Highly recommended!
Roger Dear –
We went on the Fabulous Fitzrovia & Its Medical Marvels tour with Ann the Doctor on Wednesday. It’s always a treat to stroll through a neighborhood with someone who can enlighten us so much. We went away with an appreciation of London’s medical history and a understanding of the University College London. We were a small group and loved how Ann was able to get all of us involved. Stopping at a pub for a break makes the tour very intimate. A wonderful and informative tour.
Andrea Tommasini (aka Mr. Tom) –
Had a wonderful Walk today exploring Fitzrovia and all its different links with Medical profession , Hospitals, the literature world , architecture and the Arts ! Our guide dr. Ann went beyond all our expectetions , she was ready to answer all our questions and also created a friendly atmosphere within the group. The brief visit to a couple of traditional pubs was highly appreciated to warm up a bit, have an ale and an informal chat . Highly Recommended!
Elizabeth Singh –
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk especially as it’s a part of London I used to work in. Even though I was familiar with the geography there were so many new things that I had no idea about. Ann is a very well informed host, affable and easy to talk to. I’d love to go on any other walks that she leads in the future.
Louise Berry –
I really enjoyed this walk which felt very personal to me as I was a medical student at the Middlesex Hospital medical school before they demolished the historic building.
I’m familiar with the general area but learnt so much from our amazing guide Ann & really enjoyed the friendly group atmosphere.
Ron and Susan Chappell –
A wonderful walk through a part of London that’s a little off the beaten path that traces Britain’s medical history from surgery before anesthesia to ground breaking research into medical mysteries and the fight waged by a brave woman to become the nation’s first female physician. Only fitting that the tour is led by a woman on the faculty at a London medical school. She makes the history come alive.
Laura Collins –
Ann was a charming host; this together with her knowledge and enthusiasm made the walk around Fitzrovia a real pleasure. I am a long term resident of London but this area was a new discovery.