Guy the London Guide

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Guy the London Guide

I'm a qualified Blue Badge and City of London Guide. I specialise in tours on the livery companies.
(5)

Qualified London Blue Badge Guide and City of London Guide, providing walks and tours around London and its major sights, as well as tours of Bath, Oxford, Windsor, Salisbury and Stonehenge. I offer tours of the Square Mile, including tailor-made ones and I cover the City's history, its institutions, churches, green spaces, ceremonies and quirks. I can also guide you around such London landmarks a

s the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum and Tate Britain. I live in West London and would love to show you the delights of Chiswick, Kew and Richmond. Outside London, I can show you the wonders of Bath and Oxford, Windsor and Stonehenge.

05/09/2024

Inukshuks, Mousa and Yell, Shetland. Sandstone is an excellent resource.

31/08/2024

Another of London Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours, this time of Holborn Station. We saw where the Aldwych extension ran, platforms for testing innovations as well as some fine tiles and an Edwardian signal box.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

26/08/2024

Great to see the at the
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.
☘️💂

24/08/2024

A game of swans by Strand on the Green.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

22/08/2024

Old London-on-Sea? Stroll around Swanage and you’ll find a heap of City reclamation, used as ballast by stone suppliers John Mowlem and George Burt on their return journey. You’ll find bollards galore, the Wellington Clock Tower from London Bridge, statues from the Royal Exchange, an arch from Hyde Park, a broad bollard from Millbank, and railings and a weathervane from Billingsgate.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

20/08/2024

This impressive entrance once decorated Mercers’ Hall on Cheapside, in the City of London. Designed by Edward Jerman - and not Christopher Wren - it was salvaged by local builder George Burt, who supplied much of the Portland stone for London. The facade dates from the 17C.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

12/08/2024

Do come!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/kdaiKZzC98GsP27M/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Walking Tour: Spies of Chelsea
📅 Multiple sessions available! £20.00

Join tour guide, Guy Fairbank, uncovers the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage and intelligence in the seemingly quiet streets of Chelsea.

Chelsea is often regarded as an idyllic space in the heart of London: beautiful parks, historic buildings and the hustle and bustle of shops. Yet under this genteel image lie dark secrets and stories of espionage, deceit, and drama.

⭐ Book now: https://chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk/events/walking-tour-spies-of-chelsea/

Chelsea Physic Garden The Chelsea Pensioners National Army Museum

06/08/2024

A new Banksy has appeared on an old manufacturing building by Kew Green.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

02/08/2024

A recent trip to Knole Park, a huge house dating back to the 15C but much of it is from the early 1600s. Inside are some fine portraits, an antique billiard table and the original Knole sofa.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

29/07/2024

Really thrilled to lead my first tour of Ironmongers’ Hall for London Historians. Ironmongers’ Hall is a Grade II listed hall built in 1925 in the Arts and Crafts style. Its coat of arms include salamander supporters, since it was believed salamanders resist fire. The Company’s prized object is an ‘estridge’ dating from 1629. It was also believed ostriches ate iron, hence what it holds in its beak.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

25/07/2024

Egg-stremely happy Georgie happy with her egg given to her by Ravenmaster Barney. Perhaps Georgie will give it to her new partner Harris? Either way her ex, Jubilee, won’t be happy
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

18/07/2024

Swan Upping on the Thames. As Court Apprentice of the Vintners’ Company I was privileged to witness this annual census of mute swans. Since ‘time immemorial’ the Vintners along with the Dyers’ Company - and the Sovereign- have had the right to own swans. In the third week of July this takes place, with Swan Uppers rowing through 79 miles from Sunbury to Abingdon. Adult swans are checked, cygnets ringed. It was a glorious day!
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

17/07/2024

Very excited to be part of the Chelsea History Festival: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qbcP3YdVDkvad4TG/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Tickets for the Chelsea History Festival 2024 are now on sale!

Join us from 25 - 29 September for an exciting lineup of talks with top authors and historians across three iconic venues.
Explore London’s rich heritage with the newly launched Chelsea Heritage Quarter, offering a unique experience at the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea, and Chelsea Physic Garden.

Explore the full line up here: www.chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk

10/07/2024

Installation of the 529th Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, Ann Hill. By tradition the Master and Wardens proceed to St James’s Garlickhythe for a service of thanksgiving. Ahead of them the Wine Porter sweeps the street and the Master and Wardens wear Tudor bonnets and carry nosegays. Good luck Ann!
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

04/07/2024

Really delighted to receive TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for the 4th year in a row. Once again, many thanks to all those who’ve booked a tour with me this year.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

30/06/2024

Love a post box topper. This charming one is in Queen Anne’s Gate, a pretty early 18C street near St James’s Park.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

25/06/2024

The prepares to give the gun salute to celebrate the visit of the Emperor of Japan. Always an impressive sight.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

12/06/2024

My favourite blue plaque? William Ewart was a Liberal politician who campaigned to abolish the death penalty and supported the creation of free libraries. But his greatest achievement - arguably - was to conceive the idea of erecting blue plaques in honour of famous people’s residences. How appropriate he has his own!
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

11/06/2024

I had to take the opportunity to get the new set of banknotes featuring The King. I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

06/06/2024

Kissing the Blarney Stone. There are several legends connected to the stone, one being it is part of the Stone of Scone, given to Robert the Bruce to Cormac MacCarthy in recognition for his support on the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. It is now installed high up in the castle and is not easy to kiss!

03/06/2024

Inukshuk, Di**le.
**le **lepeninsula **leireland

31/05/2024

This is the kind of blue plaque I like to discover when on holiday. I now want to buy some Jacob’s Cream Crackers and hunt out some local cheeses.
🇨🇮

27/05/2024

A glimpse of St Bartholomew the Great from the passageway by the Rising Sun pub. Smithfield is an Instagrammer’s delight.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

20/05/2024

Great to take a group around Richmond this morning, in such glorious weather. Rolling Stones, Henry VII, Elizabeth I, Georgian houses, Chilean hero Bernardo O’Higgins, Ted Lasso and one of the best views in London.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

10/05/2024

Attending an event with Alison Weir on Queen Mary I, the National Archives produced a display on Mary. Including letters from her to Jane Seymour, easily readable; a letter to the Pope informing him of the birth of a son (sadly it was a phantom pregnancy); and a portrait of Mary by a female court painter, Levina Teerlinc. The impressive seal features her husband Philip II of Spain.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

04/05/2024

A Thames barge has just sailed into the pool of London. Always a pleasure to see.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

26/04/2024

This is one of the earliest medieval representations of an elephant. We know of a live elephant kept in the Tower of London in the 14th century but this carving pre-dates that by 100 years. The carver has done a pretty good job although the hooves are more horse than pachyderm. You’ll find it on a misericord in Exeter Cathedral.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

20/04/2024

A new plaque on Queen Street: on this site the Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks had a hall. This was on Brode Lane, which no longer exists. After the Great Fire they moved to Silver Street but that was destroyed by enemy action in 1940. The Company’s charter dates back to 1442 but their history goes back further. It has no livery since it argued that the surplice its members wear is older. I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

09/04/2024

New bank notes featuring the King. You can see them in the Bank of England Museum. It’s free to visit, and you can pick up a gold bar, which is pretty cool.I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

07/03/2024

The Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields is one of the most fascinating museums in London. It was home to the architect Sir John Soane, who acquired a vast collection of antiquities, artworks and casts. When he died in 1837 he bequeathed the house and contents to the nation with the proviso that it be left untouched. The result: a treasure trove of objects and a hidden gem.
I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond.

Address

48 Ernest Gardens
London
W43QU

Website

https://guythelondonguide.com/

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Chatty ravens at the Tower of London. Georgie (on the right) was particularly playful today, even nibbling on of my client’s ears as she sat on a bench! No harm done. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #guidelondon #londonattractions #letsdolondon #toweroflondon #hrp_palaces #towerravens #raven #jubilee #georgieraven #georgie #jubileeraven #thetower #thetoweroflondon #jewelhouse

Edgar the raven doesn’t like bin bags it seems. Naughty Edgar! . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #guidelondon #londonattractions #letsdolondon #hrp_palaces #toweroflondon #ravenmaster1 #ravenmaster #raven #edgarraven #edgartheraven #theravens #thetoweroflondon #cheekybirds #londonwildlife

Annual Sheep Drive! Organised by the Woolmen’s Company and the Guild of Young Freemen and attended by several members of the Vintner’s’ Company, ten of whom exercised their right to take sheep across London Bridge

This is Prince Henry’s Room, on Fleet Street. It’s one of the few buildings to pre-date the Great Fire of London on 1666. Its plaster ceiling and stained glass are impressive. Did James I’s heir use it? Probably not. It was once a pub called the Prince of Wales, which was functioning before Henry was born in 1594. Known as the Lost Prince Henry died of typhoid aged just 18. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #guidelondon #londonattractions #letsdolondon #fleetstreet #princehenry #princehenryofwales #princehenrysroom #catalan #greatfireoflondon #stuartarchitecture #londonarchitecture #stuartkings #royalhouseofstuart #londoninteriors

The City of London’s newest viewing platform has just opened. The Lookout is at 8 Bishopsgate. 50 floors up you get an amazing view! The lift is a bit slow but it’s worth the wait. Visit 8bishopsgate.com to book your slot. Best of all it’s free! . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #guidelondon #londonattractions #letsdolondon #8bishopsgate #bishopsgate #lookoutlondon #thelookout #visitthecity #londonpanorama #londonview #viewsoflondon

The Household Division practising for Trooping the Colour next month. The sight of the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards marching in time is always an unforgettable moment. Glorious in the spring sunshine. . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #londonattractions #letsdolondon #troopingthecolour #householddivision #horseguards #horseguardsparade #coldstreamguards #grenadierguards #scotsguards #irishguards #welshguards #marching #marchingband #redcoats #bearskins

Just north of St Vedast Foster Lane you’ll find this delightful hidden garden full of surprises! . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #londonattractions #letsdolondon #stvedastaliasfoster #visitthecity #cityoflondon #citychurches #friendsofcitychurches #churchyard #fosterlane

Check out the Post Building on New Oxford Street. Open for free, seven days a week, the views are spectacular! . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide, who can offer a wide variety of walks and tours around London - and beyond. . . #london #britainsbestguides #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonbluebadgeguide #visitbritain #visitlondon #becauseimalondoner #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #bbguides #londonattractions #letsdolondon #postbuilding #postoffice #londonpost #royalmail #holborn #bloomsbury #oxfordstreet #newoxfordstreet #britishmuseum #londonviews #viewsoflondon #londonpanorama

Handy tip: arrive before 11am (10am on Sundays) to see the Household Cavalry arrive in Horseguards. These are the Life Guards, the senior regiment of the British Army. They alternate with the Blues and Royals. Then once they’ve arrived head through the arch to see the changeover. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #householddivision #Householddiv #hcav1660 #horseguardsparade #horseguards #lifeguards #householddivision #britisharmy #britisharmyinlondon #armyinlondon #mountedsoldiers #armyhorses #armyriders

Our late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth passes through Chiswick to her final resting place at Windsor. The hearse was accompanied by members of the Royal Family, including the King. God save the King. . . #godsavetheking #royalfuneral #queensfuneral #thequeen #theroyalfamily #royalfamily #queenelizabeth #queenelizabethii #kingcharles #kingcharlesiii #royalcortege #chiswick #pictures_of_chiswick #a4 #chiswickflyover #royalprocession

A little bit of Lone Star State history in Westminster. You’ll find Pickering Place just off St James’s St. From 1842-1846 the Texas Legation rented rooms from wine merchant Berry Brothers & Rudd. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #texaslegation #texas #texansinlondon #texasinlondon #texasembassy #lonestar #bbr #berrybros #berrybrosrudd #pickeringplace #stjamesstreet #westminster

Every hour from 10-4 you can witness the Household Cavalry change shifts. It’s a lot less busy than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace… . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #householddivision #horseguards #horseguardsparade #trooper #irishblackhorses #thearmy #britisharmy #changingoftheguard #guardchange

Film buff? Join my ‘SW3 on Screen’ movie location tour in partnership with the @chelseahistfest. 23 and 25 September. Book via chelseahistoryfestival.com . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #chelseahistoryfest #chelsea #chelseahistory #movielocations #filmlocation #londononfilm #chelseawalk #guidedtour #guidedwalk #swingingsixties #swinginglindon #cultfilm #sw3

The Irish Guards leave Clarence House at the end of the Guard Change. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #theirishguards #irishguards #themicks #guardchange #oldguard #changingoftheguard #householddivision #clarencehouse

Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus, is the mascot of the Battalion of Irish Guards. Known as ‘The Micks’ their regimental colonel is HRH The Duke of Cambridge. . . I’m an award-winning London Blue Badge guide who can offer a wide variety of tours around this great city - and beyond. For more information visit my website guythelondonguide.com #london #lovelondon #londonisopen #visitlondon #BecauseImaLondoner #londonbluebadgeguide #beautifullondon #hiddenlondon #londonattractions #BBGuides #LetsDoLondon #britainsbestguides #irishguards #themicks #bobsown #householddivision #turloughmor #seamus #irishwolfhound #changingoftheguard #hrhdukeofcambridge #stjamesspalace #militarymusic #marchingband #regimentalmascot

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My Story

I'm a qualified Blue Badge and City of London Guide. I offer tours of the Square Mile, including tailor-made ones, and I cover the City's history, its churches, green spaces, ceremonies and quirks. I specialise in tours on the livery companies. I can also guide you around such London landmarks as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum and Tate Britain, as well as Hampton Court Palace and the delights of West London, such as Richmond or Chiswick. Outside London, I can show you the wonders of Bath and Oxford, Windsor and Stonehenge.