The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers

London’s Spies and Spymasters (1 May 2025)

On a beautiful May evening we were privileged to have a fascinating tour around St James’s in London learning about the locations that were the location for some of London’s famous spies and spymasters. Despite the glorious weather, we were able to enjoy the tour from the comfort, and cool, of our homes as Richard Burnip, our guide, was taking us on a virtual tour.

Richard was in credibly knowledgable and covered both real life spies as well as fictional ones. It was notable just how much espionage history is contained in a relatively small area of London, and what a significant part London clubs played. In an hour we covered George Smiley, James Bond (of course), Anthony Blunt, and the early days of MI5 and MI6, plus others. We now know why the Chief of the Intelligence Service is known as C, and also where Burgess and Maclean failed to have lunch before they defected.

The Company aims to have at least one virtual event a year to cater for those who are out of London, and we were joined by members from across the country, including Cheshire and Leicester, and also Saudi Arabia. Do consider joining a virtual event if you are not London based and join the in the fellowship for which the Company is known.

-Caroline Turnball-Hall