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
Walks
Around Aldgate
Aldgate was the eastern entry point the walled City of London. A a stroll around this City of London Ward which has a wealth of history from the Romans to Jack the Ripper and plenty of modern-day activity to speak of.
Around Aldersgate
Aldersgate was the northern entry point the walled City of London. A look around this City of London Ward which has a wealth of history including Livery Companies, City Churches and much more that can all be found here.
Down by the Riverside
The River Thames has always been important. It was one of the reasons the Romans settled here with the City of London being born. This walk begins at Blackfriars and ends at Tower Bridge. Come and explore what can be found on a journey alongside Old Father Thames.
One Stop on the Central Line - Liverpool Street to Bank
A journey on the London Underground between these stations takes just a few minutes but you see nothing. If you have a couple of hours free, come and find out what can be found above ground as we travel on foot between these two points on the tube map.
One Stop on the Tuppenny Tube
The Central Line was first opened in 1900 and nicknamed ‘the tuppenny tube’ from its flat fare. The distance between St. Paul’s and Chancery Lane stations takes about 3 minutes underground. This is fine if you are in a hurry, but on this leisurely walk, we can explore the wealth of history and interest that can be found above ground between these two stations.
A Visit to Londinium
Roman London was built on two hills Cornhill in the east and Ludgate in west. This walk takes us around the western part of the Roman City. We will be looking at how the City has shaped up over the last 2000 years and the visible remains of the Roman settlers. (Please note due to logistics, this walk may be longer in distance that other walks listed here).
A Wren Steeplechase
After the Great Fire of London Sir Christopher Wren and his associates left their mark on the City of London with fine buildings. We set out to on a walk to spot as many of the ‘Wren Churches’ as we can as we make our way from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Monument.
A Stroll on the Cheap
‘Cheap’ comes from an old Saxon word for market. In the centre of today’s City of London is a long street lined with shops. For centuries this has been a place for Londoner’s to buy things. This walk explores the lanes and alleys around Cheapside and Paternoster Square and looking at the newly returned Temple Bar.
Blackfriars
On this walk we hear of famous people, playhouses, religious institutions and much more. Come and find out about the hidden gems of the area known as Blackfriars.
The Brutalist Barbican
It’s been said that once you find your way into the Barbican, you can’t find you way out. This walk takes us on a journey around the Barbican Estate getting us safely in and out.
The Charm of the City Gardens
Amongst the high-rise office blocks of the square mile can be found he most wonderful array of open spaces and gardens, some large others tiny. Stand on any street corner and your eye will be met by flowers, trees, planters, window boxes and all manner of greenery. This walk has a selection for everyone.
Knights, Newspapers and Notables
This walk takes us through legal London and Fleet Street and the numerous alleys that lead off there.
Out and About Around Smithfield
Executions, prisons, ancient priories, markets, a famous river and much, much more. It all happened here right on the border of Islington and the City.
The Heart of the City
This walk with takes us from the centre of the City to its eastern boundary. We discover many of the old alleys and lanes that give the City its unique character.
1666 and All That!
This walk tells the story of the Great Fire of London that followed the devastating Great Plague and left four fifths of the City of London in ruins. Starting in Pudding Lane and ending at Pye Corner near Smithfield we will follow the course of the flames and hear of the destruction of the City, how Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt it, what Samuel Pepys made of it and much, much more!. (Please note due to logistics, this walk may be longer in distance that other walks listed here).
London’s Playground
Southwark was once the 26th Ward of the City of London. Bankside has become very popular in recent years but it has been for centuries a place where Londoner’s have sought entertainment. Spectacular views of the City skyline, theatres, brothels and taverns abound as we walk along the southern side of the River Thames.
The Postal and Telecommunications Heritage of the City
Coffee houses, grand buildings, mail coaches, telephone kiosks, pillar boxes and even a Victoria Cross all come together in this walk through the Square Mile.
The Highs and Lows of the City
The Romans began to build the City of London nearly 2000 years ago and it’s been ever changing. This walk will lead us around the ‘City Cluster’ which has and continues to redefine the skyline of the City of London. It’s not all giant buildings though and if you know where to look, there is plenty to be found closer to the ground in this part of the Square Mile!
Lest We Forget War Memorials of the City 1
The 11th November each year marks the signing of the Armistice that brought the hostilities of the First World War to a halt in 1918. Throughout the country and across the world there are thousands of memorials to those that lost their lives in this and subsequent conflicts and many of us walk past them every day without a second glance or thought for those names listed on them. This walk takes in the war memorials that can be found in the western half of the city.
Lest We Forget War Memorials of the City 2
The 11th November each year marks the signing of the Armistice that brought the hostilities of the First World War to a halt in 1918. Throughout the country and across the world there are thousands of memorials to those that lost their lives in this and subsequent conflicts and many of us walk past them every day without a second glance or thought for those names listed on them. This walk with takes in the war memorials that can be found in the eastern half of the city.
The Lord Mayor's Show
The Office of Lord Mayor dates back to 1189 and the Show has been taking place since 1215.
The next Show will take place on Saturday 14th November 2026.
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