- CAN I WATCH LATER? Yes! Sign-up and we'll email you a recording
Event Description
Join Blue Badge tour guide Sue Gil for a fascinating journey through the Tower of London's rich and chilling past.
Explore its royal beginnings, infamous tales of imprisonment and intrigue, and the lasting impact of the Norman Conquest on our language and society. Learn more about the prisoners and executions that took place inside and near to the Tower, uncover the surprising origins of London Zoo, and marvel at the Crown Jewels — all without the long queues or expensive admission fees.
- Duration: 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (a recording will be available)
Meet the Host, Sue Gil
Sue Gil is a registered London Blue Badge tour guide and a retired senior lecturer with a lifelong passion for education and history.
Born outside London during World War II, Sue spent her childhood in various parts of the UK, including Cambridge, Manchester (Cheadle), and London. Her father was a nuclear physicist who studied under J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford, and worked alongside scientists involved in the Manhattan Project.
Sue graduated with a double honours degree in Biology and History, followed by a postgraduate qualification from the Institute of Education at the University of London. She began her teaching career in New York City, where she taught science and social studies on the Lower East Side.
After returning to London, Sue earned the Royal Society of Arts Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and spent 25 years teaching at a Further Education College in Soho. There, she helped develop English for Tourism courses and worked as a senior lecturer, running educational coach trips for students and completing the London Tourist Board Guiding Course.
Sue has worked part-time as a London tour guide since 1976. Following a restructuring at Westminster College in 1995, she transitioned to teaching at Regent’s University and Business School in Central London, where she led courses in business communication and job application skills. She also worked as a tour manager, accompanying groups on trips throughout the UK and Europe.
Sue continues to be highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you’ll find glowing five-star reviews and photos from her tours.
Since retiring from her full-time lecturing role in 2006, Sue has remained active as a tour guide. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she embraced virtual platforms, delivering Zoom lectures and virtual guided tours.
More Information
What if I can’t make the event?
If a recording’s available for the event, you can still register for it and we will send you an email with a link to a recording shortly after it ends.
Will my camera be on and will I be visible to the other people?
Your camera and microphone does not need to be on for you to enjoy the event. The choice about whether to do this is completely yours.
How do I watch the live event?
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How do I sign-up for and access the recording? (Recorded events only)
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