Despite having to get up at 5:45 am, Lower Sixth still managed to end up behind-schedule on their way to Westminster at the end of last month. The day began with nearly 3 hours of travelling which was brightened up by the sighting of Vince Cable at Baker Street tube station! After a brief discussion about the history of the Houses of Parliament, we set off in a hurry to reach the Churchill War Rooms. Kings’s pupils explored the underground government headquarters from which four of Churchill’s momentous wartime speeches were broadcasted.

Once back above ground, we visited the 2002 Bali terror attack memorial in which the name of Neil Bowler, a former King’s pupil, is engraved. Bowler was 27 and on a rugby tour when he was devastatingly killed alongside 201 others. In response to questions concerning the futures of the attackers, Neil’s brother Andrew stated, “I don’t have any opinion for these people.” Then, with spirits unwavered by the appalling downpour, the group walked to Whitehall and Horseguards Parade.

The day finished with a another lengthy journey (this time without anywhere to sit) and it was clear that everyone felt they needed to have a relaxing weekend! Overall, however, the time spent travelling was definitely worth it as the war rooms’ facilities were ideal for putting our historical knowledge into context. Sixth former Kate Emsley felt that “It was really interesting to learn all about where so many of the events from the war were planned.”