Amateur sleuths are being invited to solve a fun new Murder Mystery Treasure Trail set on the streets of Clerkenwell.
The Clerkenwell Clown Caper is the latest in a series of more than 50 downloadable self-guided Treasure Trails based in and around the capital.
The plot involves circus entertainer and part-time PR exec Lottie Goodwill who has been found with her head buried in an enormous foam-topped pie in a Clerkenwell cafe. A clown was spotted running from the scene carrying a pair of over-sized shoes.
The Trail's theme was inspired by one of Clerkenwell's famous ex-residents, Joseph Grimaldi the 19th century clown, who lived in Exmouth Market for a decade and now has a blue plaque outside his former home.
Lasting around two hours, the aim of the Trail is to solve a set of fiendish clues incorporating plaques, signs, statues, monuments, images, engravings and other landmarks.
The Clerkenwell Clown Caper is the creation of Treasure Trails' Kathy Brown, who has written all of the London Trails including; 'The Missing Royal Wedding Ring Trail' in St James' Park, 'The Muswell Hill Menagerie Murder' and 'Lion Hunting in Stoke Newington'.
“I'd visited the area a few times while working in London and knew it was a 'cool' place, it's also a very historic area, one of the oldest areas of London outside of the City walls, with twisting streets and alley ways,” said Kathy.
“It's home to the medieval priory of the Knights of St John and the Trail passes close to the site of Clerkenwell gaol, which is now used for underground film locations and events.
“One of the most fun parts for me of Trail writing is discovering new areas and finding out about their rich history and quirky characters. It's great when patches of learning join up and you start to build a bigger picture of London and the people who lived here, and how it all comes together,” she added.
