Eyes On the Spies

12/05/2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq69l0e2vjno
How many more spies are out there, hiding in plain sight? Lab assistants, beauty technicians, builders.

UK trial heard the ring had spied on Putin's enemies, including Alexei Navalny, in the UK and beyond

08/05/2025

My annual trip to see my very good friends from Seaham U3A near Newcastle. On this, the 80th anniversary of VE Day I am very proud to share the story of Nancy Wake an SOE spy who heroism helped ensure the Allied victory over Hitlers Germany. We salute you Nancy, and all the courageous men and women who fought to keep us free.

22/04/2025

The Mi5 exhibition at the National Archives at Kew is a really fascinating insight into one of the UKs secret services, from its inception in 1909 until today. Well worth a visit!

25/03/2025

It was a great pleasure to welcome members of Slough U3A on the first public presentation of my new tour today.

With a working title of.. The Yanks are coming…And Going!, it focuses on the waxing and waning of American influence in London’s Grosvenor Square from the 1780’s to today.

Thank you for your great support of this new venture.

22/03/2025

Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB agent who became a double agent for Britain's intelligence services has died at his home in Godalming, Surrey aged 86. He was said to be Britains most valuable spy inside Russian secret services.

He defected from Russia in a daring operation codenamed Pimlico, hiding in the boot of a car to cross the Finnish border.

In 2007, Gordievsky was honoured by the Queen with the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George.

The honour is the same title bestowed on fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond.

His death is not thought to be suspicious.

04/03/2025

7 years ago today 2 Russian assassins walked up to the door of this house in Salisbury. They sprayed the nerve agent Novichok onto the door handle. They hoped to kill ex Russian spy Sergei turned British double agent Sergei Skripal. They failed, but their despicable act would later result in the death of an innocent woman, Dawn Sturgess.

03/03/2025

Salisbury is an ancient City in Southwest England. It has beginnings going back to 600BC. After the Norman conquest of 1066 it grew in importance and influence. The present Cathedral was started in 1221AD and is a dazzling example of Medieval craftsmanship.

Was this the reason 2 Russian 'tourists' entered Britain on 2nd March 2018, to visit this historic treasure? Or was their true purpose to kill an Ex Russian spy, deemed a traitor by Vladimir Putin. My new presentation on the Salisbury Novichok Poisonings is nearly ready.

02/03/2025

Novichok means 'Newbie' or 'Newcomer' in Russian. It was developed by Russian scientists working in Soviet biochemical weapons programs from the 1970's to the 1990's. It destroys a victim's vital organs including the respiratory system. Although it is lethal you can recover from contact with Novichok. Would you take the chance? My new presentation on the infamous Salisbury Poisoning is coming soon.

02/03/2025

Seven years ago today on 2nd March 2018 two men fly into London's Gatwick Airport. They are secret agents from the GRU, Russia's Military Intelligence Unit. They are on a mission to kill a person Vladimir Putin views as a traitor, The Ex Russian Spy and Mi6 double agent Sergei Skripal. It was the first time we would become familiar with the term Novichok.

02/01/2025

Happy 2025 everyone. It was great to get straight back into the new year with a presentation to Chiswell Green U3A today. Thank you for making m feel very welcome. I hope you enjoyed the story of Double Agent Zigzag-The Eddie Chapman story.

01/12/2024

Well thats another year over! Agent Barfield has hung up his walking shoes and waistcoat until January after a very busy 2024. I would like to thank everyone for your support over the past 12 months, including speaker and walk organisers from the many groups and associations that continue to support Barfield Capital Tours. Have a peaceful and healthy Christmas season and a Happy New Year.

20/11/2024

A great way to end the walking tour year with members of Sutton’s exploring London group. Crisp (cold) with a hint of sun, it was a real pleasure to show you Londons rich history of betrayal, deceit, treachery and murder. Thank you for your excellent company.