Introduction:

Hi, I’m David Gray, I have been a qualified Blue Badge London Guide for thirteen years. I worked for Transport for London during most of this time for their travel information service and so also have an excellent understanding of public transport throughout the London area; including routing and ticketing options. I’m happy to take you on tours using the many public transport options from one venue to another: saving you valuable time during your visit and the frustration of sitting in London traffic. London Underground is the oldest and one of the most extensive Metro systems in the world and is a destination in its own right and above ground there is nothing like travelling the streets of London on a double decker bus.

I studied at the University of London as a mature student gaining a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and then a Master of Arts in London Studies with a final dissertation on water supply to the capital.

I have an interest in transport in the capital but also public health issues: water supply, sewerage and sanitation, the spread of disease and those that sought to improve and resolve such issues. Let me take you on a walking tour of Camden, Soho and Westminster to show you how the Victorian engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, doctor John Snow, the Metropolitan drinking fountain and cattle trough association supported by the Duke of Wellington, Lord Shaftesbury’s campaign for the changes to the lunacy act and early industrial diseases, Florence Nightingale’s work on modern nursing, Angela Burdett-Coutts and social housing reforms by Octavia Hill made a difference to Victorian and modern Britain.

One of my favourite walks is along the South Bank of the River Thames. The traditional home of entertainment: past the South Bank Centre and site of the Festival of Britain to the original Theatre district, bear bating, boxing and an early red light district as well as all the noxious trades of shot towers, vinegar works and tanneries. Ending up in some of the original dockside warehouses of the 19th Century, Tower Bridge and across the river the Tower of London.

I can guide a number of venues: Tower of London, Kensington Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War rooms, Hampton Court Palace, Greenwich and the Docklands and the 2012 Olympic site.

I currently work part time for the Houses of Parliament. Access to the Palace of Westminster for tours or to watch a debate in the House of Commons Public Gallery or the House of Lords Stranger's Gallery can change at short notice. Please contact me for up-to-date details.

I look forward to hearing from you.