Jonnie Fielding

Jonnie Fielding
EducationUniversity of Leeds
Occupations
  • Author
  • Tour guide
  • Content creator
Known forBowl of Chalk walking tours
Websitebowlofchalk.net

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. He is the author of Why Downing Street is Painted Black (2025).

Early life

Fielding attended Princethorpe College from 1989 to 1996.

Career

Bowl of Chalk

Fielding established Bowl of Chalk in 2011 after leaving a career in copywriting. The name is Cockney rhyming slang for "walk". 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.

Media and digital content

He started posting videos on social media in 2020 when he could do any tours. 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.

Philanthropy

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.

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". Retrieved 2026-05-02.
  2. ↑ "OP Jonnie Fielding Publishes Book Celebrating London". Old Princethorpian. 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  3. ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". money.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
  4. ↑ "Free and pay-what-you-want city tours". The Guardian. 12 June 2013.
  5. ↑ "A walk through the East End of London". The Times.
  6. ↑ "Bowl of Chalk". money.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
  7. ↑ "Why is Downing Street painted black?". London Uncovered. 8 December 2025. BBC Radio London.
  8. ↑ "Bowl of Chalk's 24-hour fundraiser walk". London's Air Ambulance Charity. 5 September 2024.