Chris Ruff
Languages:
English.
Biography
Thanks for dropping by.
The City of London is a part of the capital like no other. Our City is the original London founded by the Romans in the first century AD which has continually changed and developed since that time. Today the City is known throughout the world as an international financial centre but there are 2000 years of history at your feet as you discover the 'Square Mile' with its traditions, lovely gardens, Wren churches, buildings ancient and modern and a whole lot more.
The walks you find listed on my page are all done with the proceeds going to a selected charity.
Over £11,000 has been raised so far for various good causes.
Qualifications
Islington born and bred
City of London Guide (since 1998)
Clerkenwell & Islington Guide (since 1995)
Past Chairman of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association (City Guides)
Past Chairman of the Clerkenwell and Islington Guides Association
Wembley Stadium Guide and Visitor Host (2007 - 2021)
Former Accredited Guide to The Postal Museum
Former City of London Police Museum Guide
Former Guide at St John's Gate, Clerkenwell
Freeman of the City of London
Celebration Maker at HM The Queen's 90th Birthday Patrons Lunch in 2016
Games Maker at the Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games
Visitor Host at the Millennium Dome in 2000
Islington Guided Walks – The Mayor of Islington's Official Guides
CITY OF LONDON GUIDE, Clerkenwell & Islington Guide.
Guided Tours
The proceeds of all the walks listed here will be donated to a chosen charity.
- The City's Postal and Telecoms Heritage
- City War Memorials
- Bank to Liverpool Street
- Bank to the Tower of London
- Barbican
- Blackfriars
- Cheapside
- City Gardens
- The City in the Blitz
- Fleet Street
- The Great Fire of London
- Alongside the Thames
- Smithfield
- The Vicinity of St Paul’s and Paternoster Square
The Lord Mayor's Show
The next Show will take place on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The Lord Mayor's Show has been taking place since 1215.
Alderman Alastair King was elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London at Common Hall on 30th September 2024. He will take office at the Silent Ceremony in Guildhall on 8th November and be 'shown' to the Citizens of London at the Lord Mayor's Show on the 9th.
The Household Cavalry's State Dress is only worn in the presence of royalty and the Lord Mayor of London. This custom dates back to the restoration of the monarchy when Parliament refused to pay for the kettle drummers and trumpeters for Charles II, so the Lord Mayor provided the money!
Talks
Reviews
Another great tour, I always find myself coming back and trying to recall as much as I can. You certainly know your stuff.
Pete R
It's great being able to impress my family/friends with any interesting facts I can remember from your walks!
Julia K
Excellent stuff! I have to say I really, really enjoyed the tour. I know the streets around here well but obviously walk around with my eyes shut as so many things I haven't noticed! Plus having the bonus of you sharing your historical knowledge.
Kim W
Thank you for a great tour - its amazing the amount of history right under our noses, which many people will not even realise - I include myself it this!
Ian M