I can’t remember where I heard (or read) about the Ragged School Museum, but I remember something about a school with classrooms kept as they had been in the late 1800s.
That was enough to pique my curiosity (and the fact that it was within walking distance from a tube station also helped). I’m sure you’ve heard by now about our propensity to take the wrong turn and end up taking the longest and most challenging route.
Well, we found ourselves in the middle of a residential block, without anyone around to ask for directions and feeling like we had made a mistake.
When we decided we should head back to the tube station, we found the museum. Later on, realized how much closer it was to the station than the route we took.
When we walked in, the first impression was that we were indeed inside a school. Had we misread the sign outside? We were greeted with a “you look uncertain! Are you looking for the museum? It’s right here.”
Everything was indeed left as it had been in 1867 when Thomas Barnardo opened the first “ragged school.” It was a way to keep the poor children off the streets while providing them with primary education.
As the gentleman who welcomed us at the door explained, the Ragged School Museum is very important for this community in the East End of London. It’s part of their History and heritage, which compelled them to set up a trust and open the museum in 1990.
The Victorian classroom on the top of the narrow (and squeaky) staircase is meant to be used and experienced (yes, you can sit at one of the desks). On the first Sunday of every month, you can be a part of a 45-minute “Victorian Lesson” reenactment.
Closest Tube station: Mile End (Central, District, and Hammersmith & City lines)
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Awesome article! Very helpful and interesting ideas, thank you for sharing your experience.
What an excellent list! I will be on the Strand this Thursday and will be sure to pop in Twinings Tea Shop. Just near there is Neal’s Yard which I feel is the most Instagram worthy hidden area of London. For people who are new to London or visiting, this is a fun, offbeat place to add to your great list 🙂
Great tip! It’s impossible to get bored or tired of London 🙂