May 6 - May 10, 2024
Online Program
Adventures Online: London, the Story of a City
Program No. 24194RJ
Journey through 2,000 years of history as our experts lead you on a live, online exploration of London! From the Romans to modern day, learn how this city has changed through the ages.
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Full Inventory
Sep 23 - Sep 27, 2024May 6 - May 10, 2024
Full Inventory
Sep 23 - Sep 27, 20245 days
1
Orientation & Introductions, Overview, Early London
From the comfort of your own home.
2
The Reformation, The Great Fire & Its Legacy
From the comfort of your own home.
3
The River Thames, The Docks, Victorian London
From the comfort of your own home.
4
Kensington, Victoria & Albert Museum, Blitz, 2012 Olympics
From the comfort of your own home.
5
Olympic Park, Immigration, Diversity & the Future
From the comfort of your own home.
At a Glance
Welcome to London, one of the most fascinating cities in the world! With our experts, trace more than 2,000 years of history during this live, online adventure that introduces you to the cultures and events that have shaped the city. Through online field trips led by your instructor, explore London’s Roman, Saxon and Medieval remains, hear stories of King Henry VIII, learn about London’s Great Fire, trace the influence of Victorian culture and much more. Learn how the River Thames has shaped the industry of the city, and get a sense of modern London during an online field trip to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Throughout your online adventures, you’ll take in insightful lectures and Q&A sessions with your expert instructors and enjoy an opportunity to get to know your fellow Road Scholars.
What You'll Learn
- Discover how the River Thames shaped London into the largest port in the world.
- Join museum experts for a look into modern London’s cultural offerings and enjoy an online visit to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Meet award-winning expert Ruth Polling, who will share stories of London’s 2,000-year-old history during online walks through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ruth Polling
Ruth graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of England with curious travelers for three years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in International History with an emphasis on Military History. She previously worked in London politics for eleven years including in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Ruth Polling
View biography
Ruth graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of England with curious travelers for three years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in International History with an emphasis on Military History. She previously worked in London politics for eleven years including in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Antony Robbins
View biography
Antony Robbins — writer, broadcaster, lecturer — was Director of Communications at the Museum of London as it opened the Galleries of Modern London exhibition. He was in charge of audience development, communications strategy, and the museum’s digital presence for eight years. He spent most of his early career leading PR teams in the world of international relief and development including the Overseas Development Institute, the UK government’s Department for International Development, and CARE International. Antony is a born and bred Londoner.
Anna Warrillow
View biography
Anna Warrillow has worked at a number of museums and private art collections, both in the UK and the US, including the National Gallery and six years as a Curator of Sculpture of the Victoria and Albert Museum. She currently works as a freelance art historian and lecturer including at Richmond University, the American International University in London.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Adventures Online: London, the Story of a City
Program Number: 24194
London: The Illustrated History
Great one volume introduction to London’s history from the Thames Valley area before London’s foundation to plans for 2012 Olympic Games. Good for historic images, maps and infographics
London The Biography
Ackroyd’s description of London as a body – a living organism whose past continues to affect the lives of its residents. Covering everything from the history of silence, to drink and London childhoods.
Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Although focused on three famous Americans who lived and worked in London during World War Two this brilliantly readable account provides great insights into life for ordinary Londoners during the war.
Greater London: The Story of the Suburbs
Hugely detailed but very readable account of the development of London from the Roman’s one square mile to over 600 square miles today.
The English Reformation,1530-1570
Good short summary of the English Reformation designed for students.
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2014/aug/28/london-maps-a-unique-view-of-the-capital-through-classic-cartography
Great collection of maps from 17th to the 20th Centuries which taken together give a good indication of the geography and spread of the city in each century.
http://blogs.casa.ucl.ac.uk/2014/05/07/london-in-time-a-londons-evolution-animation-3/
7 minute animation which shows the development of London by mapping the road network and preserved buildings from each different era of London’s history – fascinating to watch.
London Stories
Collection of 26 stories capturing the essence of London through time. Includes work by Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Muriel Spark and a host of famous and lesser known authors.
A Child of the Jago
Powerful 19th Century fiction telling the story of a child growing up in the Old Jago – one of the worst slums in 19th Century London.
The Making of Modern London
History of London from 1815 to the modern day. The overarching narrative is supplemented with personal accounts by Londoners over the past 200 years which bring the story alive.
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