The Cotswolds Black Taxi Tour

Hi, I'm Billy, The Cabby Historian! History Graduate, London Cabby, London Tour Guide and Cheeky Happy Chappy. London, History and Me I love history, and I love London and historic England! I’ve lived and worked around London all of my life. I love it for its vast history, beautiful landscape and rich culture – it is the best place in the world for a tour guide to work. After years of working in London—in the City, Mayfair, and Holborn—I became a London Black Cab driver in 2016 and a certified tour guide in 2018. I then studied history at university, starting in lockdown (2020) and graduating in September 2024. I’m always learning something new. I’m still learning more about London, Great Britain, and world history. London alone has 2,000 years of history, and you can never learn it all—but I’ll try. I love history; even as a kid I used to fold A4 sheets of paper in half, staple them together and make graphic books about England’s kings and queens! I have a broad interest in history, primarily focusing on London and British history, but I love reading about world history as it puts everything in context – and the history of London has in some way or another impacted everyone! From Romans to Victorians, Churchill to Shakespeare, empire to industry, London is at the heart of global history. So, being in a city that has so much history practically around every corner, it’s no wonder I enjoy guiding! With my tours, I aim to show as much as possible, but I also happily cater to my guest’s interests. This means that you can either enjoy a casual, easy-going sightseeing tour of the sights with entertaining stories and photography opportunities – or – you can immerse yourself in a comprehensive history tour of London best suited for keen history buffs and those who have an interest in history. My tours are private tours for up to six people in the iconic London black cab, a hybrid blend of journeying across the city to cover a great distance and many sights, but getting out frequently (unless guests do not wish to) to get up close to them all. What’s unique about my tours? - I am both the driver and tour guide (meaning that you can cover a lot in one tour). As a London Black Taxi driver, I’ve got access to taxi ranks and parking that most guides do not – meaning we can get up close to the sights. - My tours are not scripted, they are conversational and informal tours that are meant to be easy-going and enjoyable for all guests. I prioritize my guest’s enjoyment, and I also provide extra advice for your stay in London which you can make use of before and during your visit. - As well as being a certified London tour guide, I’m a history graduate, meaning that if you’re looking for a guide who has a broader knowledge and understanding of history, I can provide context that allows guests to understand and appreciate London’s history and sights. - I also provide some amateur photography and editing on my tours (optional of course), offering the best locations for great pictures and capturing unforgettable moments for you! In short: I can provide a variation of tour styles, if you're quite relaxed and just want some great stories, fun and photos - I'm your guy / if you want history galore and a real in-depth tour through London and British history... I'm your guy, ha! My credentials - Licensed London Taxi Driver – Transport for London topological study of London called “The Knowledge of London” - London Taxi Tour Guide Qualification – Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers the history of London including study of its landmarks, Roman origins through to the modern era - First Class with Honours (BA) History – The Open University modules on: Revolutions (1440-1960's) Early-Modern Europe - primarily Britain (1440-1789) Great Britain & Ireland (1789-1914) Empire - primarily Britain (1492-1975) Europe - from the First World War to the end of the Cold War (1914-1989) - Independent research years of independent research reading the works of historians and first-hand sources Interests History (notably British, European, American and general global) Music from Rock to Jazz, House to Soul - listening and DJ'ing Films and television - from Godfather to Ted Lasso, Slow Horses to Avengers, Lethal Weapon and Rocky Amateur Photography Pubs & Games - in my element in a cosy Sunday pub playing some Yahtzee! City Breaks in UK and Europe Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, and I hope to meet you soon :-) P.S note on languages. Please note that I have a very basic grasp of Spanish, I can use some key phrases. Yo no hablo mucho espanol, pero estoy apprendiendo - "hola, como esta, dereche, hay, aqui, buenas dias..." no mucho. Fur Deutsch, ich kann sprechen ein bischen Deutsch, aber nicht so gut für die ganzen reisen. Es ist besser denn du hast ein freund oder familie das kann English sprechen, so sie kann sie hilfen.