Tom Hudson could not see himself in a traditional office job.

Armed with a history degree from Kingston University and a postgraduate certificate in architectural history from the University of Oxford, Tom knew he had to play to his strengths when it came to work.

So, he chose to dress up as a Tudor and lead tours across Chester city centre.

His company, Live History, began on social media back in 2012 as 'Historiographers Heritage', where members shared history articles and details of upcoming events from various heritage groups.

Live History now conducts historical, costumed walking tours in Chester, mixing live roleplaying with historical research.

The group aims to uncover Chester's social history, 'as told through the eyes of ordinary folk in the street'.

(Image via: Tom Hudson)

He said: "I had to go where my strengths were. I didn't really want to do an office job.

"I just thought, worst case scenario, it won't work. Best case scenario, I get to be my own boss.

"Until last year, I was a one-man show.

"I dress up in the kit from about 1603, and then it's about an hour and a half tour.

"We wander around buildings and I put a bit of a spin on it.

"It's the only costumed history tour in Chester that's actually social history as opposed to military.

"The characters I play are completely made up. But they've got their own complete backstories.

(Image via: Tom Hudson)

"The idea is you chat with them and you believe they're actual people that actually existed.

"The stuff they say on tour has all been sourced and researched very thoroughly from archives.

"I just thought it's something a bit different. Having a guide basically in character, but everything they're saying is true.

"It's an immersive tour."

For Tom, Chester is the perfect place for any history lover, fostering his own deeply rooted passion for the past.

He added: "The thing with Chester, as soon as I went there, there was just something magical about it. It has got stuff that you just don't see anywhere else.

He pointed to the Chester's Roman amphitheatre and its medieval shopping arcade.

Tom added: "As a first-time visitor, it just blows your mind a bit if you're into history."

Tom was the historical consultant on the Chester monopoly board last summer (Image via: Tom Hudson)

The tour guide and historian emphasised the people he meets, as the best part of his job.

He said: "The fact you get to meet people all over the world and bring them together. I get a lot of locals on board and I kind of figure if I can impress the locals, well that's just fantastic.

"People want an experience that is different.

"When you've got a city like Chester, you can cater to the past in different ways.

"You can bring to life a city's character, and have fun whilst doing it."

Live History prioritises making and developing connections with heritage groups on a local level, aiming to raise money for specific historical sites that don't receive the funding that they need.

Tom said: "In a nutshell, we offer tours, workshops and events. Anything that brings history alive."

You can find out more about Tom's work at Live History here.