Rob Smith


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Tour guide Rob Smith at a riverside pub in London
Contact 07806 714006 or mail

Rob is a member of Clerkenwell & Islington Guiding Association.

“Despite my 35 years in London” he says “I’m always amazed how you can find a new street that’s got an amazing story to tell. The thing I like best about London is how a tiny thing, like a decoration on a building can tell a big story. When you’re walking you are following in the footsteps of Londoners from the past, it makes the history come to life much more than just reading about it”

Rob is most interested in social history, and the way that inventions have changed people’s lives, but he always makes room in his walks to tell the stories of his London heroes.

Rob’s walks take him all over London, and beyond with a series of walks along the River Thames heading out East of London towards the Thames Estuary. You can also join him on day trips out of London to places like Rochester, Reading and St Albans.

He has written a book The Industrial History of the Lower River Lea based upon one of his tours.

He has worked on TV with The Hairy Bikers on The Pubs that Made Britain, featured in a film about Barking Power Station, and appeared on a programme about the East India Company for Iran International TV, featured in a documentary about the Great Smog on French TV and worked with ITN News reporter Sally Williams. Rob has appeared on the Radio 4 programme Screenshot with Mark Kermode and on History Hit Podcast with Dan Snow.

When not out walking, Rob also teaches London History courses at Morley College, South Thames College and Bishopsgate Institute.

His current Footprints of London walks and online virtual tours are:


01May
14:00 - 15:30
Canning Town Station - Silvertown Way, London, E16 1DQ

Walking Tour – Thames Ironworks FC – the Roots of West Ham

This walk takes in some of the locations connected to Thames Ironworks FC - the football club that w...

05May
14:00 - 16:00
Bath Spa Station - Dorchester Road, Bath, BA1 1SU

Walking Tour – A Bath Promenade

This afternoon stroll around Georgian Bath features readings from 18th century guide books and newsp...

07May
20:00 - 21:00
Online Event

Virtual Tour – A Journey Along The Northumberland Coast

A virtual journey visiting the castles , country houses, beautiful beaches and ancient abbeys along...

08May
14:00 - 17:00
Mortlake Station Passage - Mortlake Station Passage, London, SW14 8LN

Walking Tour – The Heights of London – Wandsworth

Part of a series of walks taking in the highest points of each London Borough. This walk takes in Pu...

09May
14:00 - 16:00
Royal Victoria DLR Station - Seagull Lane, London, E16 1BZ

Walking Tour – London’s Port History – Part 3 The Royal Docks

The 3rd of 4 walks telling the story of the port of London looks at the huge docks built for steamsh...

11May
14:00 - 16:30
Tower Hill Station - Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ

Walking Tour – Beneath London’s Streets

A tour about things under the ground, featuring a church crypt, Roman remains, underground shops and...

13May
20:00 - 21:00
Online Event

Virtual Tour – London Windmills and Watermills

A look at the windmills and watermills in London, from ones which have been restored to those that e...

13May
20:00 - 21:00
Online Event

Virtual Tour – On The Trail of the Peasants Revolt

In 1381 protests against the Poll Tax led to a violent uprising in Essex and Kent - and then the reb...

18May
20:00 - 21:00
Online Event

Virtual Tour – Unbuilt Buildings in London

A look at some of the buildings in London that didn't get built - some a missed opportunity, some a...

19May
11:30 - 18:30
Dover Priory Station - Station Approach, Dover, CT17 9SB

Walking Tour – A Day On The Kent Coast

A day exploring the Kent coast from Dover to Dungeness. A series of short walks linked by bus.Enjoy...

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