On Monday, Year 5 class set out on an exciting journey to the London Museum of Docklands, and what a fantastic time we had! The trip was an opportunity to bring our history lessons to life, allowing us to explore the history of London’s docks and gain a deeper understanding of why they were built and how they shaped the city.
A Walk Through History
We were fascinated by the stories of the bustling docks, filled with the sights and sounds of sailors, traders, and workers who made the Port of London one of the busiest in the world. It was eye-opening to see how the docks were the heart of London’s growth, bringing in goods from all over the world.
One of the highlights of the visit was the chance to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits. The children enjoyed experiencing the “Sailortown” gallery, a replica of the streets of 19th-century London. It was a wonderful way to imagine what life was like for the people who lived and worked around the docks – without the stench from that time (We were lucky!). Everyone was excited to see the cobbled streets, old shops, and dimly lit alleyways—it felt like stepping back in time!
The children also learned about the West India Docks and how they played a vital role in the trading of sugar, rum, and other goods. They asked thoughtful questions about the lives of the dock workers and the impact of trade on the local community. Their curiosity was on full display, with Maidah, in particular, asking some excellent questions about why the docks were built and how they changed over time.
We also explored the museum’s exhibits on the Thames and its importance in connecting London to the wider world. The children were amazed to see how goods travelled along the river and how the docks evolved to accommodate larger ships as London’s trade expanded. We even learned about the darker side of history, including the role the docks played in the transatlantic slave trade. This sparked meaningful discussions among the students about the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
A huge thank you to all the staff at the London Museum of Docklands for making our visit so special, and to our parent volunteers for coming along with Year 5. We can’t wait for our next history adventure!