HOW QUEEN VICTORIA WAS DUPED INTO OPENING A FOOTPATH
Tim Harrison
- Regions:
- London, Surrey
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Published Author/Journalist/Historian
- Fee:
- Paid: £140 including travel expenses
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 16th February 2026
- Tagged:
- Queen Victoria | River Thames | Walks | Monarchy
WHAT HAPPENED in Kingston-upon-Thames that so infuriated young Queen Victoria that she refused to set foot in the town again for 50 years? Join Tim Harrison for the hilarious story of the ambitious alderman, a path made of horse dung, builders’ rubble and bits of demolished London Bridge, and a diverted royal carriage carrying a monarch who was six weeks pregnant. It’s the bizarre tale of how one of London’s most beautiful riverside walks came into existence. Victoria was NOT amused - but you will be.
Views: 15 | Enquiries: 1About Tim Harrison
IN A LONG, varied career as journalist, author and local historian I have written for everyone from Private Eye and The Telegraph to Viz and The Economist. For 18 years I worked on BBC One’s Question Time, and now edit Surbiton's local newspaper, The Good Life.
I grew up next door to film star Margaret Lockwood, I've exhibited at the Royal Academy, I once lost at snooker to Hurricane Higgins and I’m president of my local historical society. I have written more than 30 stage plays as well as a book about David Bowie's launch of Ziggy Stardust.
I love sharing my knowledge and quirky adventures with a diverse array of groups and societies, and bring a PowerPoint slideshow on a memory stick/laptop for use with your inhouse projector.
I am an experienced public speaker and enjoy using humour and images to make my talks engaging and entertaining.
Each lasts around 45 minutes to leave time for audience questions.
Send a message to the speaker
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: