Kill or Cure

This day includes morning coffee and lunch      

This fascinating day looks at the history of getting better – or not! From the barber surgeons of the Old Square Mile to the body snatchers of St. Barts, from cholera in the rookeries to the cosmetic surgeons in Harley Street this day offers a very entertaining exploration of the history of medicine in London from Roman times to the present day. Designed to keep you warm and entertained whatever the weather Kill or Cure! is a Together Tour with your group sitting together for morning refreshments and lunch included in the tour fee. It’s available every week day throughout the year and is ideal for a rainy day.

Please meet our tour guide at 10-30am in Holborn for morning refreshments. During the morning we will take you on a whirlwind tour of 2000 years of the history of medicine and nursing. What a great subject for a guided tour. It’s a really enjoyable romp through a rich and satisfying subject with creepy tales of body snatchers and barber surgeons, heroic tales of scientific endeavour and inspiring tales of personal sacrifice. This is a coach based tour which makes the day ideal for groups that include poor walkers.

We return to Holborn for lunch which is included in the tour fee. Your members sit together and can choose from up to six hot meals on the day and they can buy bar drinks or hot drinks and desserts to suit themselves. 

Our afternoon is devoted to one of the newest and most attractive private collections in London. Sir Henry Wellcome was a fascinating chap, as rich as Croesus and as curious as the proverbial cat. Born to a travelling American preacher in a frontier log cabin the teenage Henry’s first invention was invisible ink. He went on to invent the medicinal tablet and establish the pharmaceutical giant Burroughs Wellcome. Lucky in business but unlucky in love Wellcome married the daughter of Dr. Barnardo whose adulterous lovers included shop keeper Harry Selfridge and writer Somerset Maugham.

Like a giant Edwardian cabinet of curiosities The Medicine Man gallery provides a permanent home for some of the most mind boggling objects that Wellcome, a contemporary of Livingstone and Stanley, gathered from around the world. There is a marvellous and eclectic bookshop plus a really beautiful café where you can buy tea before heading for home at 4-45pm. 

Easy walking on this trip

A vailable weekdays throughout the year, and an excellent  choice for a rainy day!

Adults & Seniors: £18.95
Price valid 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013

Coach Mileage: 18

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