English.
Architecture, Christopher Wren's London, City churches, Evening walks, Gardens and open spaces, General city tour, Great Fire of London, Lectures and talks, Literary tours, Livery companies, Medieval London, Public art, River Thames, Romans, Samuel Pepys, St Paul's Cathedral, Virtual tours.
As both a City of London Guide and a London Blue Badge Guide I would love to have the chance to share my love of London with you!
For as long as I can remember I’ve loved introducing others to places, people and aspects of life I’m passionate about. That led me to become a secondary school teacher following a Music degree at Cambridge University. But some time ago I swapped the classroom for the world beyond, and now I love showing people round fascinating parts of London and explaining the richness and complexity of London’s history and traditions in a way that’s clear, engaging and fun, however much or little you know already.
As a London Blue Badge Guide it is a privilege to be able to introduce visitors to such famous landmarks as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and as a City of London Guide to corners of the capital that even Londoners might never have noticed before.
My London ancestry and connections
I feel very fortunate that my ancestors lived and worked in the Square Mile for generations from the 1700s to the 1900s, and that’s what sparked my interest in the wonderful and unique City of London and led me to train as a guide.
I’m a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman both of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and also of the Worshipful Company of Joiners & Ceilers. I am also currently Senior Vice President of the United Wards Club of the City of London, founded in 1877 by an ancestor of mine who represented the historic ward of Castle Baynard on the Common Council of the City of London.
I am also a City of Westminster Guide.
All these connections give me a very personal appreciation of the traditions, ceremonies and stories that continue to shape London today.
My musical background and royal links
I’m also a very keen and active musician as a singer, clarinettist, pianist, composer and conductor. Having been a choral scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge, I then sang for 9 very happy years as a Gentleman of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. That means I nowadays find it hard to resist the temptation to burst into song when I’m leading a tour and I’m also very much at home in any royal residence! Combine that with the fact I’m a passionate opera-lover and the Royal Opera House (the Royal Ballet and Opera) does indeed have a very special place in my heart.
Helping you make the most of London
There is simply so much to see, discover and enjoy here - London is a city you can never tire of exploring.
Although I guide in English, I speak both German and Italian to a high level and also have a good working knowledge of French.
I would be delighted to hear from you to discuss either a general tour in London or something more specific, unusual or bespoke - or a visit to a beautiful historic city or town further afield (such as Windsor, Oxford, Bath, Canterbury or Stratford-upon-Avon).
‘Music for a while shall all your cares beguile’ for the London Gardens Trust: “Stephen was utterly brilliant. He did beguile!” Sarah Y, SW London
Royal London: ”Fantastic tour! Lots of interesting facts. Stephen was excellent!” S. Whitney
Royal London: “Stephen was a brilliant tour guide! Very personable and professional. He told wonderful tales.” B. Rosen, USA
Heritage Walk for the United Wards Club of the City of London: “Thank you so much for your clear, interesting and delightful walk in the City.” / “What fun we had! I learnt so much. Thank you.” / “You were a wonderful host and guide and your vast amount of knowledge was impressive. The whole ‘adventure’ was conducted in a happy atmosphere that was felt by the whole group. Such a lovely, companionable and refreshing trip around a part of London we thought we knew well but obviously did not. Thank you for all your hard work and for making the day so enjoyable.”
ALSO FOLLOW ME ON: