Follow in the footsteps of the pioneers at the forefront of healthcare improvements and female emancipation.

From a medical institution that took over 470 years to elect a woman president to a hospital founded by the first female to officially qualify as a doctor in the UK, we travel through Fitrovia and Bloomsbury to seek out the trailblazers who have cleared the way for today’s medical women.

Along the way we learn how female practitioners have played their role in raising standards of care for not just women but the population as a whole.

Discover hidden histories from the behind the scenes assiduousness of Agnes Lister to the controversial campaigners of the Pregnancy Advisory Service and explore the often contentious presence of ‘the fairer sex’ in the sphere of medicine.

Meet a host of fascinating characters including the society hostess and diplomatic wife who introduced inoculation to Britain to the the cross-dressers who paved the way for sexual equality in more ways than one!

We conclude with a visit to The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery at the Unison Centre.

Special Events: 

Our tours during September and October 2018 will included an escorted visit to the new exhibition ‘This vexed question: 500 years of women in medicine’ at the Royal College of Physicians.

For dates visit Our Calendar page here. To arrange a private group tour any time contact us by email at discovermedicallondon@gmail.com 

The walk commences at The Royal College of Physicians  and lasts between 2½ and 3 hours including a highlights tour of the Royal College, its museum and collections*. 

The tour costs £12 per person click here to book online  

A small number of tickets are available on a turn up and pay basis on the day. These places are strictly limited and payment should be made to the guide in cash. 

“Women and Medicine” is also available as a private tour at any time by prior arrangement, subject to a minimum charge.

For further details or to make a group booking for a private tour please contact us at  discovermedicallondon@gmail.com 

* On occasion access to the Royal College of Physicians may be limited due to  events or works being carried out.

Click here for a map and directions to the Royal College of Physicians.