Peter Hill
Biography
Born and bred in south Wales, I have taught History and Politics for over 40 years and led secondary schools both in the UK and overseas. I am currently a tour guide both at St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan and at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
To really understand an area, you must actually experience it – and hopefully without leaving any negative evidence of your experience behind. I offer walking tours of our capital city, Cardiff, where significant Roman, medieval, 19th century industrial and 20th century/contemporary sites can be visited and all within a compact area.
Sustainable one day tours of the wider region are also available by utilising the local train and bus network – you will travel alongside the local population and see many sights from, literally, a different angle. The Vale of Glamorgan (with soaring cliffs and fantastic beaches, medieval settlements, castles and affluent towns) and the south Wales Valleys (with their industrial heritage and natural beauty) are easily accessible by public transport from Cardiff.
Interests
Best of Wales - general interest tours
General tours of south east Wales explore the wonderfully powerful historic sites of the area and capture the globally significant contribution south Wales has made to economic, social, military, economic and political history. Tours can be tailored to fit the audience ranging from a fun introduction to degree level. As a 'local' of the area with extensive History and Politics teaching experience I would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to, or advance your knowledge of, this stunning area.
Castles
South East Wales has one of the highest concentrations of castles in the country. Visit an individual castle in depth or visit a number which illustrate differing designs, functions and history. The castles are obviously not simply military installations as they also brilliantly tell the story of changing wealth and status and the power struggles between Wales and England - a tale of blood, sweat and tears! Having visited most of the castles - many with my old school groups - I would love to tailor a specific sustainable tour for you by using the local public transport system.
Coastline
The coastline of south east Wales is wild and rugged but also boasts stunning beaches and rural tranquillity. It is a coastline which overflows with evidence - and tales of - Iron Age, Roman and Viking settlements, invasion, piracy, tragedy, industrial development and 21st century fun! The coastline can be easily visited by public transport from Cardiff enabling tours to start and finish at different points. I have walked this area for over 50 years and would welcome the opportunity to share my passion for this stunning and intriguing coastline.
Copper Coal and Iron
The whole area of south east Wales is littered with fascinating industrial archaeology. These sites tell a powerful story of invention, dynamic entrepreneurship and wealth. They also tell the story of exploitation, poverty and tragedy. Introductory tours, as well as more academic tours, are available. Most sites are easily accessible and linked by public transport - often the very same railway lines, viaducts, stations and docks constructed during the industrial 19th century.
Countryside
The rural Vale of Glamorgan comes as a surprise to many visitors. This wonderful county - the land of my birth and home - is a tranquil land of small villages, fertile soil, medieval towns, castles and priories and all of this is bordered by a wild and dramatic coastline. This whole area can be explored by using public transport and the many paths which link the sites of interest. Tours in this area can be simple and easy walks with plenty of stops or can be more challenging in nature covering a longer distance but the terrain is, mostly, relatively flat.
History and Prehistory
Having taught History for over 40 years to students ranging in age from 10 to 70 I would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the diverse history of south east Wales. It is a deep and powerful history which can be used to illustrate the power of human endeavour and ingenuity alongside exploitation and oppression. Sites of national and global significance stretch right across this region from Cardiff's Iron Age Hill Fort, to Roman and medieval settlements to the industrial and urban landscape of the 18h,19th and 20th centuries. Most sites can be reached on foot and by public transport.
Industrial Heritage
The whole area of south east Wales is littered with fascinating industrial archaeology. These sites tell a powerful story of invention, dynamic entrepreneurship and wealth. They also tell the story of exploitation, poverty and tragedy. Introductory tours, as well as more academic tours, are available. Most sites are easily accessible and linked by public transport - often the very same railway lines, viaducts, stations and docks constructed during the industrial 19th century.
Politics and Government
As a long standing teacher of Politics and Government, and a member of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, I would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the sites and locations which reflect the history and development of Welsh political life. One thing it is not is boring - it is a historic tale of intrigue, war, power struggles and identity which has culminated in the emergence of the Welsh Government of the current era. The achievements, controversies and functioning of contemporary Welsh political life will be explored while visiting its beating heart - the Welsh Parliament or Senedd.
