On Friday 9th October learners from Richmond EAL Friendship Group set off on a special visit to The Tower of London. 

The group was led by Yasmin, our coffee morning volunteer and keen history buff and historic royal palaces community access guide.  

Together, they visited The White Tower, the oldest part of the complex dating back to 1076, built shortly after the Norman Conquest and today displaying an impressive collection of Royal arms; we also walked through Henry III’s Medieval Palace, saw the Crown Jewels, the Prison Tower and Traitors Gate.  

Along the way, we learnt about the menagerie of exotic animals, including a polar bear, elephant and leopards that were kept here from the 13th -19th century and the three Tudor queens who were executed and their bodies buried under the steps of the chapel.  

After a picnic lunch in the gardens, some wandered more, others headed back on the underground, while a small group walked across Tower Bridge and along the Southbank back to Waterloo passing many more historic sites. All in all a lovely day out was had by all!