IQ TRIP TO THE TOWER OF LONDON
We were so excited to be told that the IQ club , the Lower School academic scholars ’ group , were going on a trip to the Tower of London in June . It was so special to finally be able to go on a school trip after so long without the opportunity . The grounds were stunningly picturesque , and we learnt lots , whilst having fun , on a sunny day out . As we walked towards the Tower , we saw the beautiful landmarks , such as the Shard and the glistening River Thames , and we crossed the magnificent Tower Bridge , stopping to take lots of photos .
We were looking forward to seeing the crown jewels , as we had heard so much about them . There were crowns , sceptres , jewellery and even a christening bowl . The Bloody Tower had a mystery which was projected onto the walls to read . Beforehand , we had researched this macabre story . Two young princes , heirs to the throne , had mysteriously disappeared and their uncle who had wanted the throne , suddenly became King . The main suspect was therefore Richard III , their uncle .
The White Tower was enormous ! We had assumed that the White Tower was a room displaying suits of armour , but it was much more . There was a secret storeroom on the bottom floor , which held military equipment ; it was also an escape route but that was kept a secret .
We were surprised to find out that there used to be a zoo at the Tower of London . This zoo had many animals including a crocodile , a kangaroo , and a bear , which were , unbelievably , made to smoke tobacco and use parasols . After lunch we all gathered around the site of the execution scaffold , where there is now a beautiful memorial . The names of those who were executed at the Tower are inscribed on a circular plate , with a glass pillow in the middle , representing peace . It was moving when Ms Taylor talked about the deaths of Anne Boleyn , Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey , to be standing at that very spot .
At the end of the trip , we all reflected upon the enjoyable experience . Thank you so much to Ms Taylor and Miss Kraass for taking us !
Florence Lall and Marjolaine Mauduit , Year 7
108 TRIPS , CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES