

"Will we go on more trips like this? We need more trips because like we saw a different place. It is our first time to see something like this. I want to know about it. To go on trips to know the world - what happened to the world."
— Mohammed Alwaked, age 13

ABOUT
Proud Places is a London-wide education programme inspiring young people with the world around them. Using heritage projects we introduce children aged 7 and upwards to important themes in everyday places… the hidden stories of London and why they matter.
Through free site visits and creative workshops, this is a chance to find out about buildings, conservation and craftsmanship – what you never knew about the city all around you.
The programme helps young people improve their life choices as well as their life skills. We are specialists in alternative provision schools and youth groups as well as primary and secondary pupils. The programme was developed with our Proud Places Young Ambassadors and launched in October 2020 with funding from the Jones Day Foundation.
For more information on the Heritage of London Trust go to our webpage heritageoflondon.org
RECENT PROJECTS
Caroline Gardens Chapel
Southwark
With its soot-stained walls and heat-damaged interior, unchanged since a bomb dropped in 1941, this almshouse chapel is a unique time capsule from WWII.
Pope's Grotto
Richmond
The poet Alexander Pope created a Grotto under his house as a place for contemplation and writing. It was an artificial cavern, sparkling with minerals, crystals and mirrors.
Cranford Lock Up
Hounslow
Small ‘lock ups’ like this one were once found all around London. They detained petty criminals and vagrants overnight, before the era of police stations.
Wren's Spire
Lewisham
This spire now in an estate in Lewisham was once on the top of one of Sir Christopher Wren’s churches in the City, built after the Great Fire of London.
Emma Cons Memorial The Old Vic
Lambeth
Emma Cons was a pioneering social reformer, who campaigned for better housing and education for the poor of Victorian London and the right of women to be in power.
Northumberland House Arch
Tower Hamlets
This arch now in Bromley-By-Bow came from a grand palace on the Strand and was moved across London by horse and cart 146 years ago.
Conde de Bayona Mausoleum
Hammersmith & Fulham
This mausoleum in Kensal Rise is a perfect Gothic house in miniature.
Cranford Stables
Hillingdon
Cranford’s 18th century stables once housed the grooms as well as horses.
Wanstead Grotto
Redbridge
Wanstead Grotto was once the location of lavish 18th century entertainments.
"Not gonna lie, this was genuinely the best day we've had yet! Every week I think it's not gonna top the last and it does! This is the best day I've ever had! I'll say to my mates, what did YOU do this Wednesday?! NOTHING.”
Devon Fields, 19, Proud Places Young Ambassador
Find out a little more about one of our projects here!
700+
YOUNG
PEOPLE
40
SITES
33
LONDON BOROUGHS
GALLERY
![]() A stonemason engages with young ambassadorsLearning how to restore a historical landmark. | ![]() A London school history projectPrimary pupils look at a dragon weathervane from St James's, Bermondsey. | ![]() London school trip to Broomfield ParkHazelwood School find out about their local park's history. |
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![]() Dr Nicola Stacey speaks at a school assembly.Showing children our recent work on Cranford Lock up as part of this London school history project. | ![]() A pupil drawing St James's weathervaneChildren loved responding creatively to a project on their doorstep. | ![]() Proud Places Ambassadors look at St Bart's keysSecret spaces of St Bart's are unlocked with this set of old keys. |
![]() Proud Places Ambassador looking down into St Bart'sProud Places Ambassador explores hidden spaces of St Bart's | ![]() Pupils learn about Sir Christopher Wren’s spire in LewishamHeritage visits are a chance to talk to stonemasons about their skills. | ![]() Workshops with Salusbury World refugee group |
![]() Older pupils learning about stonemason toolsThe programme offers interactive London school trips. | ![]() An artist matches historic paint on statuesHistoric paint specialist Pedro da Costa Felgueiras at work in Whitechapel. | ![]() Children at Cranford Lock upExploring the life of Victorian rogues and villains in this police cell. |
![]() Dr Nicola Stacey and Proud Places AmbassadorsTwo proud places ambassadors preparing their presentations with Dr Nicola Stacey. |
GET INVOLVED

Site visits are fully risk-assessed including for Covid and groups can be as small as necessary.
CONTACT
Contact Us
Our Office
Special thanks
This programme has been funded with the generosity of the Jones Day Foundation
