Scholars’ London Trip

Our Third Year Scholars headed into London for a school trip that took in both history, architecture, and music. Having stopped at Borough Market to fuel up with lunch for a busy day, we walked via the Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral. After exploring the monuments studding the nave, quire, and transepts, we headed down to the crypt to see the resting places of many famous British individuals, including the Duke of Wellington and Lord Admiral Nelson. Our scholars enjoyed decoding the numerous Latin inscriptions on the tombs and monuments.
After a quick pit stop in the gift shop, we ascended the 257 steps that spiral their way up to the famous Whispering Gallery, where much fun was had communicating around the dome using the unusual acoustics. By the time we reached the next level, at the Stone Gallery, we had climbed 376 steps. After a short rest, we continued to the uppermost Golden Gallery (after a total of 528 steps!) where we were treated to amazing views of London.
Rounding of the day’s activities, we witnessed the great Sir Antonio Pappano conduct the mesmerising yet totally bonkers ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ by composer Hector Berlioz at the Barbican Centre. His explanation of the story behind the symphony enabled us to enjoy it even more!