This October half-term, visitors to the Tower of London can delve into a lesser-known era of the ancient fortress’ 1000-year history with Flight, Camera, Action!, discovering what life was like at the Tower after the Second World War. Stepping into the world of a roving reporter, families will be able to explore the fascinating stories of heroics, rebuilding efforts and community spirit within the Tower’s walls after its reopening in 1946.
From 25 October – 2 November, intriguing figures from post-war London can be found across the Tower, with their very own secrets to share and stories to tell. From the life-saving heroics of GI Joe the pigeon, who was presented with a medal at the Tower, to the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force operating the barrage balloon tethered in the moat, the hidden history of London’s iconic fortress comes alive this October half-term – with even more compelling stories to be unearthed.
Included in standard admission to the Tower, visitors will encounter characters in period dress who bring the spirit of post-war London to life with staged performances and pop-up interactions. They can choose to join in and uncover these hidden stories, reporting back to the journalist’s office in the Lower Bowyer Tower, or simply enjoy the performances as part of their visit.
Visitors will also have the chance to admire the striking sea of 30,000 ceramic poppies displayed at the heart of the Tower, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and commemorating the Tower’s wartime history. The installation, which features poppies from the original 2014 installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, will close on 11 November.
Minette Butler, Assistant Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “After being closed throughout the Second World War, the Tower of London reopened to the public with new stories of resilience and camaraderie. Flight, Camera, Action! allows us to bring this fascinating but often overlooked period of the Tower to life for families this October half term, exploring the remarkable histories hidden within the walls of this ancient fortress.”
Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London, is collaborating with HistoryRiot to present Flight, Camera, Action! from 25 October to 2 November.
