We had a full and memorable final day in London, made better by clear blue skies. After breakfast, we boarded a bus to Brixton, a London community known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage. We were joined once again by our guide, Ms. Angela, who led us on a thoughtful and engaging walking tour of the area, highlighting sites central to Black history in Britain.

Our morning began at the memorial to Cherry Groce, a mother who was shot and paralyzed by police in her home. This event was a catalyst for the 1985 Brixton uprising against police brutality. As we discussed the significance of the monument, Ms. Angela recognized Cherry Groce’s son nearby. He graciously joined us, sharing insight into his mother’s legacy and the creation of the monument to her memory. It was a moving start to our time in Brixton.

We continued exploring the neighborhood, learning about the Black Cultural Archives, visiting a memorial honoring Black soldiers of World Wars I and II, and viewing the many murals that reflect Brixton’s history and cultural identity. Throughout the tour, Ms. Angela drew meaningful connections between British and U.S. histories and contemporary events, particularly around issues of policing and systemic racism.

After the tour, the girls had time to explore Brixton Village Market, an indoor space filled with unique shops, produce stands, and restaurants. They enjoyed browsing and buying unique items beyond the usual souvenirs. We had lunch at a local restaurant, where they tried jerk chicken wraps, fries, and salt cod fritters.

In the afternoon, we traveled by bus to Tower Pier, near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Along the way, Ms. Angela continued to share her knowledge, pointing out notable sites including the childhood homes of Cynthia Erivo and Charlie Chaplin and sharing history of the neighborhoods we passed through.

At the pier, the group boarded a river cruise along the Thames. From the water, they took in iconic landmarks such as the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Canary Wharf, all while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. The girls sampled a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries before heading up to the open-air deck for even better views of the city.

After the cruise, we returned to the hotel for rest before heading out for dinner at a familiar favorite, Shake Shack. The girls went to bed early to pack ahead of our departure to Felixstowe tomorrow.

After several busy days in London, we’re looking forward to a quieter setting as we travel to Felixstowe in the morning. Our stay at the Convent of Jesus and Mary will offer a change of pace, and we’re excited to share more.