Year 8 National Gallery Trip

Written by Aminah, Year 8

Recently, Year 8 went on an exciting trip to the National Portrait Gallery. We saw portraits of inspiring historical figures, and my favourites were Mary Seacole and the Tudors. Even though they were very different, both were fascinating to me.

Mary Seacole:
Hopefully, the name’s familiar to you- but if not, here’s a quick summary. Mary Seacole was a British-Jamaican nurse, businesswoman, and “doctress” from the Victorian era, best known for helping soldiers during the Crimean War. Despite facing racism and hardship, she showed amazing courage and determination, becoming one of Britain’s most famous historical figures, and even a house at our school. She also helped treat cholera outbreaks in Panama (1851) and Jamaica (1853). I find her inspiring because she represents bravery and resilience. Her portrait really captured her strength.

The Tudors:
Since I was about ten, I’ve always found the Tudors the most exciting part of history, especially Henry VIII, his six wives, and his two daughters: Mary “Bloody Mary” and Elizabeth “The Golden Queen”. My favourite to research is Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife, who was executed at 35. Historians now believe her charges were false- Henry wanted a son, and Anne’s miscarriage gave him an excuse to move on to Jane Seymour. I find it fascinating that despite her father’s patriarchal thinking, Anne’s daughter Elizabeth became one of England’s greatest queens, proving women are just as capable as men. Seeing their portraits at the gallery brought their stories to life.

Overall:
The art trip was an inspiring experience filled with fascinating history. It was both educational and fun, and completing our booklets helped us reflect on what we learned. Overall, it was a truly beneficial and inspiring trip.