London Insider

London Insider I am a London Blue Badge Tour Guide, with a passion for the city - its history, people and places. J

Getting up close and personal with Jubilee at the Tower…
02/07/2023

Getting up close and personal with Jubilee at the Tower…

London MemoriesIt was a real privilege to guide this wonderful family over their 3 day stay here in London. Despite flig...
16/06/2023

London Memories
It was a real privilege to guide this wonderful family over their 3 day stay here in London. Despite flight delays and jet lag, we managed to see Westminster Abbey, Guard Change, Tower of London, Borough Market, London Eye, Churchill War Rooms, Windsor Castle and Oxford! Phew! Thank you to for putting it all together!

The Butterfly TreeMeeting clients at the Corinthia London and greeted by the magnificent Butterfly Tree. A stunning disp...
13/06/2023

The Butterfly Tree
Meeting clients at the Corinthia London and greeted by the magnificent Butterfly Tree. A stunning display with the added benefit of raising money for Spread a Smile. By selecting a butterfly off the tree, you raise money for seriously ill and hospitalised children, bringing joy and laughter to them and their families through events, outings and art activities. Small butterflies are £10, medium £25 and large £50. The installation by McQueens not only aims to raise important funds but also increased awareness about the fragility of the butterfly population.

Coronation Fever!The magnificent Westminster Abbey, always a privilege to be here, but never more so than immediately fo...
09/05/2023

Coronation Fever!
The magnificent Westminster Abbey, always a privilege to be here, but never more so than immediately following the Coronation of TM King Charles III and Queen Camilla - the Abbey Theatre has been transformed into a spectacular space of tradition and pageantry.
The Coronation Chair, placed on the ancient Cosmati pavement facing the altar, has seen the Coronation of 40 monarchs, and is where the anointing of the monarch, and the investiture with the Coronation regalia took place.
The Abbey has a rich history dating back over 1000 years, join me on a tour of this extraordinary site, hear the stories of Kings, Queens, poets, politicians, scientists and soldiers who are remembered here and who are intricately entwined with its history.

HM Fortress and Palace, the Tower of LondonMagical and mysterious at night, this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site ...
30/01/2023

HM Fortress and Palace, the Tower of London

Magical and mysterious at night, this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see on a visit to London.
Ravens! Jewels! Prisoners! Executions! Yeoman Warders! Join me to hear the stories and legends of the Tower and discover its rich royal history spanning back nearly 1000 years.

King’s Chapel of the SavoyThis hidden gem is tucked away between the Strand and the Embankment. The Savoy Palace, built ...
27/10/2022

King’s Chapel of the Savoy
This hidden gem is tucked away between the Strand and the Embankment. The Savoy Palace, built by John of Gaunt in the mid 14th century, used to occupy the site and its legendary name is remembered in the nearby Savoy Hotel and nearby streets such as Savoy Place and Savoy Court.
The Savoy Palace was destroyed in the Peasants Revolt of 1381 and lay as a ruin until Henry VII ordered the building of the Hospital of the Savoy on the same site. It was established as a charitable foundation to provide food and lodging to 100 poor and needy men, and was completed in 1515. It was an extensive complex of buildings which included a dormitory and several chapels. The King’s Chapel of the Savoy is all that survives of Henry VII’s Hospital of the Savoy.
The chapel is a Royal Peculiar, meaning it is outside the jurisdiction of the diocese and is answerable directly and solely to the sovereign, who appoints the Dean. Prior to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it was known as the Queen’s Chapel, and upon the accession of King Charles III, is now known as the King’s Chapel. Other Royal Peculiars in London are Westminster Abbey and St Peter Ad Vincula at the Tower of London.
The King’s Chapel of the Savoy is the spiritual home of the Royal Victorian Order. Founded in 1896 it is an honour that is a personal gift of the sovereign to recognise the service of individuals to the sovereign and other members of the royal family. The monarch is the Sovereign of the Order, and the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, is the Great Master - their red velvet seats at the back of the chapel are adorned with stall plates displaying their armorial bearings.
The interior of the chapel was destroyed by a fire in 1864, and was faithfully restored by Sydney Smirke, who also designed the round reading room at the British Museum, now a temporary exhibition space in the Great Court. The ceiling of the chapel is a beautiful recreation of the Tudor original.
Contact me for a visit to this, and other hidden gems in London.

Southwark CathedralGaia, is a stunning art installation by Luke Jerram, that has been travelling around the country and ...
26/10/2022

Southwark Cathedral
Gaia, is a stunning art installation by Luke Jerram, that has been travelling around the country and the world. Named after the Greek Goddess that personifies Earth, it is 7 metres across, with the captivating image of Earth as seen from space. The sphere floats and gently rotates, creating a sense of awe and wonderment, giving us, it’s inhabitants, a unique perspective of the planet we inhabit.
The idea is to encourage viewers to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our planet - that we are it’s guardians, responsible for its nurturing and protection, and that time is running out.
This stunning display is at Southwark Cathedral until 29 October, and is completely free, so be sure to visit!

Evening walk in Notting Hill and encounter the incomparable  on Portobello Road
03/10/2022

Evening walk in Notting Hill and encounter the incomparable on Portobello Road

The Funerary Procession of the Coffin of Queen Elizabeth IIA very moving procession and display; a hush fell over the cr...
14/09/2022

The Funerary Procession of the Coffin of Queen Elizabeth II
A very moving procession and display; a hush fell over the crowd -even the birds were silent - as the Life Guards preceded the coffin of the Queen, pulled on a gun carriage by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The coffin, draped in the Royal Standard, was adorned with the Imperial State Crown, and followed by King Charles III, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Earl of Wessex, Prince William the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex. A real privilege to be present at this remarkable moment in history.

13/09/2022

Queen Elizabeth II returns home to London

Changes at the Tower of LondonThe cipher of Queen Elizabeth II has been removed from the Jewel House and the Constable o...
12/09/2022

Changes at the Tower of London
The cipher of Queen Elizabeth II has been removed from the Jewel House and the Constable of the Tower now resides in the Kings House. Such visible changes are moving and indeed underline that we have moved from the Great Elizabethan era to the new Carolean era.
Long live the King

A nation in mourning…Mountains of floral tributes and a sea of people as far as the eye could see, queuing to pay their ...
11/09/2022

A nation in mourning…

Mountains of floral tributes and a sea of people as far as the eye could see, queuing to pay their respects to a beloved monarch.

Buckingham Palace is approached by flagpoles draped in the British flag, adorned with a crown at the top and tied with a black mourning wreath. Tens of thousands of people - British nationals, residents and visitors alike - filed past to pay their respects and to participate in this historic moment.

Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable monarch, to everyone, of all faiths and none, and she will be deeply missed.

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