Gin, flowery hats and Royal Keys: just who *are* the Beefeaters?
We’ve all seen the Beefeaters proudly parading at Royal ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament. But who are these men - and women – in the red and gold coats and the top hats with flowers round the brim? Why are they called Beefeaters? And why are they...
A Chair – and a Stone – fit for a King!
The Coronation Chair - in which Kings and Queens have been crowned since 1399 - is one of Westminster Abbey's greatest treasures. But did you know it was built specially around a 150 kg piece of 'holy' plundered stone? Or that over the years, that precious stone...
When Art went Underground: how the National Gallery came under fire!
The National Gallery contains some of the world's most famous and precious paintings. But we can only see them now - and in such good condition - because they were hidden away from the public for many years! When it became clear the Second World War was about to break...
The naval hero whose last voyage was in a barrel
Of course, you've heard of Lord Nelson, but did you know he joined the navy at the age of 12, hunted a polar bear, loved natural history, and suffered throughout his life from sea-sickness? Join my tour of Maritime Greenwich to hear all about this national hero, whose...
How a ship became a King’s coffin
Did you know that before England became one country, it was made up of several Kingdoms, each with their own leader? The King of East Anglia was a rich and powerful man - and when he died in the early 600s, only a very special burial would be good enough. The people...
Mysterious misericords
The life of a mediaeval monk was a hard one! So how did a small piece of woodwork make it a little bit easier? As well as carrying out skilled tasks such as illuminating manuscripts, the monks' main job was to pray in the Cathedral eight times a day. The first...
Tate Modern
Britain’s national gallery of international modern art opened on the South Bank in 2000 and is now the most-visited modern art gallery in the world – with good reason. Its inspired setting in a former power station creates a dramatic light and space which shows off...
The British Museum – a place to be inspired
The 19th Century American traveller Mary Sherwood wrote “To look at and properly appreciate the British Museum is the work of a lifetime” – and she had a good point. It is one of the world’s greatest museums and if you looked for one minute at every object it owns,...
Royal London
Royal London is a quarter steeped in tradition, where England’s Monarchs have resided for centuries. Our tour covers the historic buildings and places that still host the pageantry, ceremony and working life of the Royal Family. Starting at Buckingham Palace, the...