This walk explores the network of hidden medieval alleys, courtyards and gardens on either side of Fleet Street, an ancient road linking the commercial City of London with royal Westminster. This area was for many years the heart of Literary London.  William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, John Galsworthy and, more recently in the Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown lived in or set their work in the Temple, once the 12th century monastery of the crusader Knights Templar and just south of Fleet Street.  The 18th century literary circle led by Dr Samuel Johnson met at his house in Gough Square, just to the north of Fleet Street.  Also from the 15th century until the late 20th century Fleet Street was the centre of the British newspaper industry, and the history of that industry is celebrated in the area..