THIEVES and prostitutes in Angel Place, rogues on the riverside and if you live in New Street, then watch out for cannonballs coming through your bedroom window.

Beware talking to soldiers in the Cross Keys tavern in Friar Street, too. For after one too many ales, he might just trick you into taking the king's shilling. You'll then find yourself enlisted for life with the 29th Regiment of Foot... like Hannah Snell, the fabled female soldier.

And if you should fall foul of the law and end up in the Guildhall gaol, abandon all hope, even if you have bribed the gaoler. Transportation or death will almost certainly be your fate.

These are just a few of the fascinating facts about the Faithful City that come to light in a new project just launched by professional historians Paul Harding and Helen Lee.

For example, have you ever wondered about the slight rises in the carriageway along City Walls Road and Deansway? Paul explains that these bumps follow the line of the ditch that once surrounded the city. And have you speculated on the origins of Copenhagen Street - or heard tales about the castle that once stood near Severn Street?

It is information like this that brings The Worcester Story to life - as I discovered with other guests who were taken on a guided walk around the city by Paul, suitably dressed in character as a 29th Regiment (Worcestershire Regiment) redcoat.

The Worcester Story is a new venture from the ever-expanding Discover History company based in Worcester. This was formerly called Hands on History, and was set up by Paul and Helen.

The new venture is a tour of the city taking in the sights and its long history, from the Doubinni settlement, through the Roman invasion, Viking raiders and up to the wartime defences overlooking the city bridge in 1940.

Paul and Helen have been passionate about history since their schooldays.

Paul said: "After finishing college, I began working in heritage, and in particular, museum education. Having been born and bred in a city as historical as Worcester, the motive was there to tell everyone about what made Worcester, and in many cases, Britain."

Helen began working in the same field where they met and decided on the venture. In 2003, they started up in freelance historical interpretation - and the venture has now amassed a large client base, from National Trust and English Heritage properties, to schools and historical societies.

Our pilot tour took in the old heart of Worcester. From the Guildhall gaol, we learnt of the original Iron Age settlement where the cathedral now stands, saw the areas in High Street where the succeeding Roman and Saxon defensive earthworks were sited, and then went to City Walls Road to examine the mediaeval defences, dating from about 1250.

Paul has an easy style and what he doesn't know about Worcester is probably not worth knowing.

From stray dogs fighting over animal entrails in The Shambles, to the stench of the leather works near the present-day South Quay fountains, he brings the past vividly to life.

He said: "We also work in schools in term time and run activities, workshops and lectures on subjects from weapons and warfare to everyday life and living.

"The periods of history we cover are very varied, from Celtic and Roman Britain, through to the Second World War. We are also booked for living history displays in museums.

"We bring a museum setting alive, using the period artefacts.

"In this role we can become a character from the chosen period. For example, I have been the mediaeval archer, who fought at Agincourt beneath a standard showing the Worcester pears emblem. Helen could be acting as a Tudor servant awaiting Elizabeth's visit in 1575.

"We are also used for talks and media work and have taken part in radio and television. The latest television work I have carried out was the Battlefield Britain Series, with Peter and Dan Snow."

Volunteers such as Graham Rowberry, also of Worcester, answer questions dressed in character. He is particularly interested in the mediaeval archer, but everything - from Celts to the Second World War - is covered.

Paul and Helen's project is aimed at supplementing the tours already on offer in the city.

Paul added: "The Worcester Walks operate in the daytime, ghost walks operate late on winter nights, and so we chose to tour at 6pm daily throughout the year.

"Archaeological photos will be used to illustrate areas that were destroyed in the constant building work Worcester has seen."

It's a sobering thought that the Friar Street car park stands on the site of what was once the best-preserved lychgate in England. And although this link with the past has long gone thanks to progress', at least Worcester has the next best thing in Paul Harding and Helen Lee - two people dedicated to bringing this historic city to life in words and images.

HISTORY FILE* The Worcester Story's public tours run seven days a week, all year round. The organisers promise to carry on regardless of the weather - "if you're game, so are we!"

* The Worcester Story can be booked for private parties, by schools, colleges or office and club outings. Tours begin from the Guildhall, High Street, Worcester.

* Discover History can be contacted at 221 Tolladine Road, Worcester, WR4 9AT phone: 07949222137 or e-mail: Discoverhistory@aol.com

* Website: www.discover-history.co.uk