On Friday 20th June, we gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 1100 years since King Athelstan’s coronation, right here in Kingston! To mark the occasion, ten students (and four lovely babies!) joined us for a day filled with history, discovery, and connection.
We started by welcoming everyone with plenty of water and smiles. Our walk, led by our volunteer Susanne, brought Kingston’s story to life. She shared fascinating facts, including the meaning of the three fish symbol and the history behind the seven pillars surrounding the Coronation Stone.
We then made our way to the Rose Theatre. Many students were delighted to find out they could return with their children and continue engaging with local culture.
After a refreshing break in All Saints Church with sandwiches and a good cup of tea, we headed to the Kingston Museum – a clear highlight of the day!
Thanks to funding from Kingston Council, we were able to produce a special ESOL-friendly worksheet to support learners in understanding who King Athelstan was, why he is such an important figure in Kingston’s history, and how the walk and museum visit related to his legacy. The resource helped students connect more deeply with the experience and participate with greater confidence.
You can download the worksheet here – Kingston trip ESOL worksheet
At the museum, Rhys, the Cultural Learning & Participation Officer led a fascinating object-handling session with Saxon-era artifacts, including pottery made from local riverbank clay.
One of the most memorable moments came when a student came across a drawing of what New Malden is believed to have looked like in Saxon times. It reminded her of her hometown in Somalia, and she shared how this connection helped her feel more in touch with her roots.
Trip feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many students said they made new friends and especially loved the museum experience. Here’s what one student said:
“Thank you very much for the lovely trip on Friday. I really enjoyed walking around Kingston, learning new things, and visiting the museum. It was also very nice to meet the LEAH team and other students. I felt happy and welcomed. Thank you again for organising everything. I look forward to joining more trips in the future.”
The day was a wonderful tribute to King Athelstan’s legacy, and a powerful reminder of how exploring history together can build bridges, spark friendships, and strengthen community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Kingston Council for making it possible.
