LitSoc: Tour of Gothic London

Members of the RGS Literary Society (LitSoc) enjoyed a very Gothic exploration of London last week, bringing to life some of the backdrops and characters that can often be found in the pages of Gothic Literature.

The students started their tour with a ghoulish trip to The London Dungeons. Here, the group encountered some rather gripping storytelling around infamous characters such as Guy Fawkes, Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. To experience the fear of 19th Century London, the pupils also boarded the attractions rides, braving a tyrannous River Thames and some scream-inducing descents into a pitch black dark dungeon!

Next was a tour of the capital’s iconic reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse – Shakespeare’s Globe. Here, students were lucky enough to watch a backstage rehearsal and take in the view from the upper gallery. There was just time for a quick pit-stop at Pizza Express, before heading to a performance of ‘Measure for Measure’ in the magical, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse theatre.

On day two, students visited Westminster Abbey and explored the literary giants of Poets’ Corner. With a detour through Covent Garden, and a chance to admire the Christmas festivities and decorations, the group moved on to enjoy a leisurely peruse around the legendary Foyles bookshop .

Students then wrapped up warm, to walk in the footsteps of the infamous Whitechapel monster: Jack the Ripper, with our tour guide uncovering the gruesome tale of the ‘Autumn of Terror’ in 1888.

Following a very busy two days, it made sense to end our Gothic tour of London with a visit to Highgate Cemetery, with an enthusiastic tour guide taking us on a journey to uncover the rich history of Highgate. English Literature students paid homage to Christina Rossetti, singing ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ at her graveside, whilst Art students marvelled at the architecture and the neo-gothic style of some of the tombs.

After a thrilling three days of experiencing highlights of Gothic London, Mrs Bond and Mrs Vincent would like to thank the RGS LitSoc-cers for both their impeccable behaviour and literary enthusiasm.

Mrs Laura Bond

Teacher of English, Second in Department