History in the saddle

Students at Notre Dame School had a real treat when they were invited to visit the Kings Troop and find out more about the role of horses in the army, how they are looked after and how things have changed since 1914-18.

They have already had a briefing about how saddles are made, thanks to Patrick Burns from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers who brought a saddle to show students which had been ridden at the Front in 1914. The students were able to handle the saddle and absorb its shape and texture as they sketched.

At the Kings Troop, they learned about  the soldiers and horses' daily routine and were able to put the stories from World War 1 into context.

Jane Churchill, our Heritage Artist is working with the  students now to create a wonderful WW1 horse sculpture, while also inspiring them to explore further and research the lives of those who cared for the horses which were so essential at the Front but who suffered so much. This part of the Echoes Across the Century crosses over with the Royal Docks Community School project about ambulances. They will all have a chance to link up when the final exhibition is put together at Guildhall Art Gallery next Spring.