Jonnie Fielding
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (May 2026) |
Jonnie Fielding | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | University of Leeds |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Bowl of Chalk walking tours |
| Website | bowlofchalk |
Jonnie Fielding is a British author, walking tour guide, and content creator. He is the founder of Bowl of Chalk, a London-based tour company established in 2011 that focuses on the city's social history and lesser-known landmarks.[1] He is the author of Why Downing Street is Painted Black (2025).
Early life
[edit]Fielding attended Princethorpe College from 1989 to 1996.[2]
Career
[edit]Bowl of Chalk
[edit]Fielding established Bowl of Chalk in 2011 after leaving a career in copywriting.[3] The name is Cockney rhyming slang for "walk"[4]. Avoiding traditional tourist circuits, his tours emphasize social history and urban oddities in areas such as the East End, Covent Garden, and the South Bank[5].
Media and digital content
[edit]He started posting videos on social media in 2020 when he could do any tours[6]. In 2023, Fielding undertook a year-long project to post a "Fun London Fact" video daily across social media. The series significantly expanded his following and led to the launch of his book.[7]
Philanthropy
[edit]Over the weekend of 27–28 July 2024, Fielding led a 24-hour continuous walking tour to benefit London's Air Ambulance charity. Accompanied by 164 participants over a 24-mile route, the event raised £8,489 for the emergency service.[8]
Bibliography
[edit]- Why Downing Street is Painted Black (ISBN 978-0008730185). HarperCollins, 2025.
References
[edit]- ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ "OP Jonnie Fielding Publishes Book Celebrating London". Old Princethorpian. 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". money.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ "Free and pay-what-you-want city tours". The Guardian. 12 June 2013.
- ↑ "A walk through the East End of London". The Times.
- ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". money.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ↑ "Why is Downing Street painted black?". London Uncovered. 8 December 2025. BBC Radio London.
- ↑ "Bowl of Chalk's 24-hour fundraiser walk". London's Air Ambulance Charity. 5 September 2024.