A study tour to London is a fantastic opportunity to learn about history and politics in one of the world’s most celebrated and culturally rich capitals. London is a city of infinite variety, so you are sure to find something to suit your particular interests, whatever they might be. Read on for a taster of what the city has to offer.
Houses of Parliament
Located in the Palace of Westminster, this is where the country’s parliament has been meeting since the 13th century. Both the building and the government have gone through several incarnations since that time, but through all these changes it has remained an iconic seat of power. The House of Commons and the House of Lords still meet here today to make decisions affecting the whole country, and guided tours are available to show you the chambers where these weighty discussions take place. There are many fascinating stories about the events that have unfolded in these very rooms, determining the course of Britain’s history, so for anyone interested in history and politics this is an essential attraction.
The Tower of London
This ancient castle was founded during the Norman Conquest of England, led by William the Conqueror, and has since formed an integral part of London’s political history. Originally a royal palace, it has also been used as an armoury and a menagerie, but most significantly as a prison. Royal prisoners were kept here, and you’ll still hear stories of gruesome interrogations and ghostly sightings. Executions often took place on nearby Tower Hill, which these days is a much more pleasant elevated platform overlooking the Thames. It’s worth making some time on your study tour to cross over to have a look at that hill. As well as offering a fantastic view of the Tower, it is home to an impressive sundial, which incorporates a pictorial history of London in the form of relief sculptures all around its base. Today, the Tower still plays a significant role by housing the Crown Jewels and providing informative guided historical tours.
The Globe Theatre
History is far from dead in London. A study tour in Britain’s capital might mean looking at ancient monuments and exploring the places where famous figures once walked, but it is also an opportunity to experience popular entertainment the medieval way. The original Globe was the theatre to which audiences at the turn of the 17th century flocked to catch the latest Shakespeare. The reconstructed Globe on the very same site upholds that tradition today. Here plays are performed on the Elizabethan-style ‘thrust’ stage, and are the closest modern performances you’ll find to the original productions. You can choose to emulate Shakespeare’s richer patrons, by sitting in the three-layered circular wall of seats, or the ‘groundlings’ who would stand around the stage and could get quite rowdy. In keeping with the original theatre’s lively character, actors have been known to push through, chat with, or tease the audience.
These, of course, are just a few of London’s best historical attractions – the rest of the city is waiting, with countless more corners of Britain’s history to be uncovered.
Article by – Simon Prendergast works for FHT