Street Historians takes you into the fascinating world of tour guiding and uncovers what it takes to make history come alive. Go behind the scenes with Jeremy John, the founder of History Up Close, as he and his guests reveal the secrets of the trade.
Instagram: @londonwithjeremy
Website: https://www.historyupclose.com (https://www.historyupclose.com)
Wayne Fox has been exploring London’s heritage since the moment he could walk, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he took the plunge and became a tour guide. He can often be found on the old streets and alleyways giving his two signature tours: one follows the flames of the Great Fire of London, the other traces nearly 2000 years of history that lays hidden in plain sight.
On this episode, we hear how Wayne’s childhood shaped his interest in history, from bottle digging with his friend Pete to riffling through the pages of encyclopedias gifted by his grandparents. We find out how his career as a magician enhanced his ability to connect with large audiences, and how the encouragement of his father and aunt was the final push needed to launch his guiding career. Finally, we learn how Wayne amassed a large social media following, and recorded an audiobook that transports listeners to old London.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro(01:48) Childhood love of history(04:58) Working as a magician(07:13) Reconnaissance trips(09:15) The first ‘Great Fire’ tour(14:26) Making tours magical (16:55) The ‘Hidden London’ tour(20:37) Social media success(27:01) Outro
To book Wayne’s tours, download his audiobook and watch his hidden history videos, head to https://instagram.com/thefoxinlondon
Follow the podcast and more at https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
For tours with Jeremy John, head to https://historyupclose.com
15 Jul 2026
11. From Shakespeare to Sherlock: Fiona Johnston and Alex Gordon
Imagine walking in the footsteps of historical figures and fictitious characters from London’s past. Each week, Fiona Johnston and Alex Gordon do just that, introducing visitors of all ages to the original locations connected with William Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who and more.
On this episode, Fiona and Alex share how they took what they had learnt in drama school and combined it with their passion for London’s heritage to bring a theatrical flair to their guided walks. Despite being accomplished performers, they reveal that their first tours challenged them in unexpected ways, requiring perseverance and creativity to find their stride and excel in their new roles as guides. They also discuss the intricacies of themed tours, and the secrets to create engaging experiences that please both fans and newcomers alike.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(02:36) Backstories of Fiona and Alex
(08:18) The first ever tour
(12:03) Shakespeare’s London
(17:50) Sherlock Locations
(28:55) Doctor Who tours
(30:39) Outro
Links:
FIONA JOHNSTON
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fionacosplays93
ALEX GORDON
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordondagram
JEREMY JOHN:
Tours: https://historyupclose.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
14 May 2026
10. Heritage On Wheels: Danny McIntyre and Greg Smith
Put your hand out on a busy London street and you might get picked up by one of today’s guests. Danny McIntyre and Greg Smith are licensed hackney carriage drivers. They are part of a tradition that goes back centuries, commonly known today as ‘black cabs’. As well as transporting people across London, Danny and Greg also take curious visitors to the top historical sites and regale them with stories of the city’s past.
On this episode, we uncover how they earned their prestigious licence, including taking an exam that involves memorising 25,000 London streets. They share how they expanded their roles into tour guiding, and we learn about the taxi trade’s longstanding culture of benevolence, including an annual trip that takes children from London’s hospitals on an exciting day out. Finally, we hear about the array of people they have driven around, and how there’s more to being a London cabbie than meets the eye.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(02:36) Backstories of Danny & Greg
(13:00) Cab tours vs walking tours
(17:24) A tradition of benevolence
(20:40) More than driving
(23:32) Quirky & famous passengers
(28:03) Outro
Links:THE CHILDREN’S MAGICAL TAXI TOUR
Website: https://magicaltaxitour.comDANNY MCINTYRE
Website: https://traditionallondontours.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Lifeofalondoncabbie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeofalondoncabbie
GREG SMITH
Website: https://cityoflondonguides.com/find/gregsmith
Instagram: https://instagram.com/greglondonguide
JEREMY JOHN:Tours: https://historyupclose.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
23 Mar 2026
9. Tailoring Tours to Perfection: Charley Harrison
Ten years ago, Charley Harrison founded Totally Tailored, one of London’s most successful private tour companies. On this episode, she takes us back to the beginning, from working on London’s open-top buses to creating the groundwork for her company during slow shifts at a gift shop. Along the way, Charley reveals what the Totally Tailored private tour guides have in common, how she expanded her business into Edinburgh and why bigger is not always better.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro(01:52) Backstory of Charley(07:45) Growing a small business(14:18) What ‘tailoring’ entails(22:29) Expanding to Edinburgh(25:10) What Next?(28:03) Outro
Links:
CHARLEY HARRISON:Website: https://totallytailored.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/totally.tailored
JEREMY JOHN:Tours: https://historyupclose.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
27 Feb 2026
8. Making History Thrilling, with Jess Brownrigg and Louise Cooley
Head to central London and you might find Jess Brownrigg and Louise Cooley regaling visitors with true tales of the city’s past. Both these tour guides are passionate about making history compelling for all ages, and their enthusiasm for London’s heritage is contagious.
On this episode, we uncover what led them to this role, and find out more about the different tours they give, from Dr Who to the Tudors. They reveal their methods for bringing history to life, including a technique that Louise calls “laying seeds for the birdies”. They finish by sharing stories of tours not going to plan, from London’s annual naked cycle ride blocking the streets, to rain causing royal guards to march at double speed.
Chapters:(00:00) Intro(03:08) Backstories of Jess & Louise(08:53) Dr Who & Tower of London(14:25) Changing of the Guard(18:39) Things not going to plan(22:38) Outro
You can join one of Jess’ tours by booking through Fun London Tours (https://funlondontours.com) and requesting him as your guide.
Jeremy's Tour Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
Jeremy's Tour Website: https://www.historyupclose.com
19 Nov 2025
Ep 7: Cinemas, Musicians and Serendipitous Moments with Nigel Smith and Adam Scott-Goulding
Nigel Smith and Adam Scott-Goulding reveal their journeys into tour guiding, exploring London's cinematic and musical history and offering tips for engaging walking tours in this interview episode.
16 Sept 2025
Ep 6: Looking Up and Digging Deeper with Katie Wignall
Katie Wignall discusses her journey from online historian to leading walking tours in London, revealing how she researches, crafts engaging stories, and connects with audiences on the streets in this interview.
31 Jul 2025
Ep 5: Food Glorious Food with Lauren Barnes and Bex Newell
Guides Lauren Barnes and Bex Newell explore London's culinary heritage, discussing food tours, independent traders at Borough Market, and the best times to visit foodie hotspots in this interview.
30 Jun 2025
Ep 4: A Lifetime in Tour Guiding with Richard Jones
Richard Jones recounts his forty-year career as a London tour guide, sharing insights on engaging audiences and overcoming challenges in this interview episode.
28 May 2025
Ep 3: Lavish Loos and Untold Stories with Rachel Cole-Wilkin and Bex Couper
London guides Rachel Cole-Wilkin and Bex Couper discuss their unique walking tours, revealing techniques for crafting memorable experiences and addressing evolving visitor expectations in this interview episode.
24 Apr 2025
Ep 2: Following a Different Path with Emily McFadyen and Dr Aaron Hunter
Emily McFadyen and Dr Aaron Hunter are two London guides who give tours that are different from the norm.
After years of living in a close-knit part of East London, Emily now gives experiential tours that focus on her neighbourhood’s vibrant cuisine, architecture and social history.
Aaron uses his expertise in natural history to give family-friendly adventures that span London’s streets, museums and even a park that contains the world’s first ever dinosaur statues.
In this episode, Emily and Aaron talk about the joys of showcasing the hidden parts of London, how they both used their earlier careers to pivot into guiding, and their shared passion for unique and quirky tours.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(02:52) Backstories of Emily and Aaron
(12:55) Elements of a great tour
(18:36) Heading off the beaten track
(32:37) On the buses
(38:04) Expecting the unexpected
(47:38) Top tips for newbies
(51:00) Outro
If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.
Dr Aaron Hunter’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/scienceguidelondonLondon Heritage Walks Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
10 Mar 2025
Ep 1: Humour, History and Herding Kittens with Matt Gedge and Paul Harrison
Matt Gedge and Paul Harrison are two of London's most recognisable raconteurs, each with over ten years' experience revealing the city's heritage. They each have a unique ability to combine history with humour to create tours that are both engaging and enjoyable.On this episode, Matt and Paul share what led them to this trade, reflect on honing their skills on London's open top buses, and discuss how the adrenaline rush of tour guiding can be a double-edged sword. They reveal their favourite parts of the city to explore, and round up with some handy top tips. Matt’s Website: https://funlondontours.com
Paul’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepaulharrisonIf you enjoyed listening to this episode of Street Historians, don’t forget to click follow/subscribe, and rate the podcast with a thumbs up or five stars.Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/londonwithjeremy
13 Feb 2025
1 Minute Trailer
Street Historians takes you into the fascinating world of tour guiding and uncovers what it takes to make history come alive. Go behind the scenes with author and award-winning guide, Jeremy John, as he and his guests reveal the secrets of the trade.Instagram: @londonwithjeremy
Who has been a guest on Street Historians
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nigel Smith
Adam Scott-Goulding
Katie Wignall
Richard Jones
Rachel Cole-Wilkin
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,168
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
32 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
94
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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