Zoom Tour Live | Tales on Tap: London's Historic Pubs
2024-04-02 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
ONLINE WALKING TOUR
Tales on Tap: London’s Historic Pubs
Zoom Meeting (Live)
Tuesday, April 2 | 5:00 p.m. ET
The Fleece Inn, near Evesham, Worcestershire
Explore London’s rich tradition of historic pubs with Footprints of London guide, Rob Smith. For centuries, going to the pub has been a quintessential London pastime, and within the city, there exists a treasure trove of intriguing stories behind some of its most beloved drinking establishments. Rob will delve into the fascinating narratives behind a selection of his favorite historic pubs, each with its own unique charm and significance.
Discover the intriguing tale of a pub that retains its license as a pawnbroker, boasting a storied history of loaning money to none other than King George IV. Journey to a former coaching inn now under the stewardship of the National Trust, where echoes of bygone travelers still linger in its walls. Prepare to be enthralled by the story of a pub ingeniously built around the remnants of an old windmill, a testament to London’s ever-evolving urban landscape. Rob will even navigate the tricky, perennially debated question: which establishment truly deserves the title of London’s oldest pub?
Join us as we raise a virtual glass to London’s historic pubs and the captivating tales that have woven themselves into the fabric of the city’s social and cultural tapestry.
Tickets: $30 Members; $40 Non-Member

Zoom Tour Live | Americans Abroad: Shaping Culture and Influence 19th-and-20th Century
2024-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
Americans Abroad: Shaping Culture and Influence 19th-and-20th Century
Americans have left an indelible mark on London, shaping and influencing various facets of the city’s landscape. From Harry Gordon Selfridge, a retail maverick who revolutionized the shopping experience, to Charles Tyson Yerkes, a key figure in the development of the tube network, Americans have played pivotal roles in transforming London. Witness the profound influence of figures like Waldorf and Nancy Astor, who transitioned from Americans to influential British politicians. London’s cultural tapestry is enriched further by the presence of notable artists and writers, including James McNeil Whistler, John Singer Sargent, and T.S. Eliot, who chose London as their creative haven. The city’s musical landscape, too, bears the imprints of American artists who found a special connection with London. Icons like Judy Garland, Paul Robeson, and Jimi Hendrix contribute to the unique bond between American musicians and the vibrant London scene.

Join Stephen Benton on this insightful exploration as he unveils the stories of these Americans who have not only left an enduring legacy but have also significantly altered the fabric of London itself. From retail to politics, arts, and music, discover the diverse ways in which these individuals have shaped and changed the dynamic city of London.
Zoom Meeting (Live)
Tuesday, April 23 | 2:00 p.m. ET

Zoom Rental Tour | Americans Abroad: Shaping Culture and Influence 19th-and-20th Century
2024-04-24 - 2024-06-30 | Zoom Meeting
Americans Abroad: Shaping Culture and Influence 19th-and-20th Century
Americans have left an indelible mark on London, shaping and influencing various facets of the city’s landscape. From Harry Gordon Selfridge, a retail maverick who revolutionized the shopping experience, to Charles Tyson Yerkes, a key figure in the development of the tube network, Americans have played pivotal roles in transforming London. Witness the profound influence of figures like Waldorf and Nancy Astor, who transitioned from Americans to influential British politicians. London’s cultural tapestry is enriched further by the presence of notable artists and writers, including James McNeil Whistler, John Singer Sargent, and T.S. Eliot, who chose London as their creative haven. The city’s musical landscape, too, bears the imprints of American artists who found a special connection with London. Icons like Judy Garland, Paul Robeson, and Jimi Hendrix contribute to the unique bond between American musicians and the vibrant London scene.

Join Stephen Benton on this insightful exploration as he unveils the stories of these Americans who have not only left an enduring legacy but have also significantly altered the fabric of London itself. From retail to politics, arts, and music, discover the diverse ways in which these individuals have shaped and changed the dynamic city of London

Zoom Tour Live | Scenic Scotland: Dumfries
2024-05-07 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
Scenic Scotland: Dumfries
While not as widely recognized as the Highlands of the north, Dumfriesshire boasts an abundance of scenic beauty that rivals any other region in Scotland. Our guide Rob Smith will take us on a virtual journey through the breathtaking landscapes known as the Queen of Scotland of the South. We will explore the majestic rocky coastlines, traverse the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands Way, visit the sands of the Solway Firth, and uncover Dumfries’ spectacular castles—including the iconic triangular fortress, the only one of its kind in Scotland. We will hear stories of remarkable individuals hailing from Dumfriesshire, such as naval Captain John Paul Jones and the beloved author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie. And no exploration of Dumfriesshire would be complete without delving into the life and legacy of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns…haggis not included.

Zoom Rental Tour | Scenic Scotland, Dumfries
2024-05-08 - 2024-06-30 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | London's River: A Day on the Thames Clipper Virtual Tour
2024-10-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
London’s River: A Day on the Thames Clipper
Zoom Live
Tuesday, October 1 |5:00 p.m. ET
The Thames holds a central place in British history, earning the poetic moniker “liquid history” by John Burns. It has hosted major annual events like the Henley Royal Regatta and the Boat Race and served as a venue for two Summer Olympic Games. Rob Smith will virtually lead us as we explore London’s iconic Thames Clipper River buses for an unforgettable journey along England’s longest river entirely within its borders. Whether you are a visitor or a local, cruising the Thames offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and landmarks. This virtual tour not only showcases the scenic routes but also unveils significant events and cultural highlights along its storied banks. Starting from Deptford, admire the historic Royal Navy buildings, a reminder of London’s maritime legacy. Glide past Greenwich, home to the elegant Queens House and rich naval history, before reaching the Royal Woolwich Arsenal, symbolizing Britain’s industrial past and military strength. “Sail” this iconic waterway, offering a glimpse into London’s past and present
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | London's River: A Day on the Thames Clipper Virtual Tour
2024-10-02 - 2024-12-31 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
London’s River: A Day on the Thames Clipper
Zoom Rental
Wednesday, October 2 | 12:00 p.m. ET
The Thames holds a central place in British history, earning the poetic moniker “liquid history” by John Burns. It has hosted major annual events like the Henley Royal Regatta and the Boat Race and served as a venue for two Summer Olympic Games. Rob Smith will virtually lead us as we explore London’s iconic Thames Clipper River buses for an unforgettable journey along England’s longest river entirely within its borders. Whether you are a visitor or a local, cruising the Thames offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and landmarks. This virtual tour not only showcases the scenic routes but also unveils significant events and cultural highlights along its storied banks. Starting from Deptford, admire the historic Royal Navy buildings, a reminder of London’s maritime legacy. Glide past Greenwich, home to the elegant Queens House and rich naval history, before reaching the Royal Woolwich Arsenal, symbolizing Britain’s industrial past and military strength. “Sail” this iconic waterway, offering a glimpse into London’s past and present
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | History of London Theatres Virtual Tour
2024-10-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
History of London Theatres
Zoom Live Meeting
Tuesday, October 22 | 2:00 p.m. ET
The entire world is a stage in London theatreland! Competing with New York City as the greatest place to see theatre in the English-speaking world, London offers a rich and varied theatrical experience. Stephen Benton will guide us on a digital journey through the history and splendor of theatrical London. Travel back to the 16th century and explore the world of Shakespeare’s playhouses, learning why these iconic buildings no longer stand. Discover historic playhouses over 200 years old, iconic Victorian palaces of marble and gilt, sleek Art Deco buildings, stark mid-20th-century concrete theatres, and the most cutting-edge 21st-century venues. Each theatre has its own fabulous stories and unique charm. With around 45 West End theatres and countless smaller venues, London boasts an impressive array of theatrical options. At any given time, you can find around 25 different musicals, including the world’s longest-running musical, “Les Misérables,” which first opened in 1985 and has performed over 15,000 shows with no signs of closing. Even more enduring is “The Mousetrap,” which opened in 1952 and has played nearly 30,000 performances, continuing its record-breaking run. Join Stephen Benton and tread the
boards in London’s theatreland, experiencing the magic and history of one of the world’s most vibrant theatrical landscapes.

Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | History of London Theatres Virtual Tour
2024-10-23 12:00 - 2024-12-31 13:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
History of London Theatres
Zoom Rental

Wednesday, October 23 | 12:00 p.m. ET
The entire world is a stage in London theatreland! Competing with New York City as the greatest place to see theatre in the English-speaking world, London offers a rich and varied theatrical experience. Stephen Benton will guide us on a digital journey through the history and splendor of theatrical London. Travel back to the 16th century and explore the world of Shakespeare’s playhouses, learning why these iconic buildings no longer stand. Discover historic playhouses over 200 years old, iconic Victorian palaces of marble and gilt, sleek Art Deco buildings, stark mid-20th-century concrete theatres, and the most cutting-edge 21st-century venues. Each theatre has its own fabulous stories and unique charm. With around 45 West End theatres and countless smaller venues, London boasts an impressive array of theatrical options. At any given time, you can find around 25 different musicals, including the world’s longest-running musical, “Les Misérables,” which first opened in 1985 and has performed over 15,000 shows with no signs of closing. Even more enduring is “The Mousetrap,” which opened in 1952 and has played nearly 30,000 performances, continuing its record-breaking run. Join Stephen Benton and tread the
boards in London’s theatreland, experiencing the magic and history of one of the world’s most vibrant theatrical landscapes.

Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | Alleys and Lanes of Hampstead Virtual Tour
2024-10-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
Alleys and Lanes of Hampstead
Zoom Live
Tuesday, October 29 | 3:00 p.m. ET
Hampstead Heath ponds
Join us on an immersive virtual tour through the charming and intricate network of alleys and lanes in the heart of old Hampstead. Discover how this picturesque village evolved from a fashionable 18th-century spa into a thriving community with vibrant social amenities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience Hampstead’s rich history as we explore its historic houses, quaint cottages, notable monuments, and significant institutions. Virtually wander through the scenic lanes and uncover the stories behind each corner. From the comfort of your home, enjoy a fully accessible tour that brings the essence of Hampstead to life. Our guide, Marilyn Greene, is a former curator of Hampstead Museum with many years of experience researching the history and streets of this beloved area. She will share fascinating anecdotes and insights about the places and people who have shaped Hampstead over the centuries.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Alleys and Lanes of Hampstead Virtual Tour
2024-10-30 12:00 - 2024-12-31 13:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
Alleys and Lanes of Hampstead
Zoom Rental
Wednesday, October 30 | 12:00 p.m. ET
Hampstead Heath ponds
Join us on an immersive virtual tour through the charming and intricate network of alleys and lanes in the heart of old Hampstead. Discover how this picturesque village evolved from a fashionable 18th-century spa into a thriving community with vibrant social amenities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience Hampstead’s rich history as we explore its historic houses, quaint cottages, notable monuments, and significant institutions. Virtually wander through the scenic lanes and uncover the stories behind each corner. From the comfort of your home, enjoy a fully accessible tour that brings the essence of Hampstead to life. Our guide, Marilyn Greene, is a former curator of Hampstead Museum with many years of experience researching the history and streets of this beloved area. She will share fascinating anecdotes and insights about the places and people who have shaped Hampstead over the centuries.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | Cornwall and the Scilly Isles - England's Far West Virtual Tour
2024-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
Cornwall and the Scilly Isles – England’s Far West
View of the Botallack mines, Cornwall

Zoom Live
Wednesday, November 13 | 5:00 p.m. ET
Rob Smith will take us on a captivating virtual tour through the far west of Cornwall, where some of Britain’s oldest rocks cascade dramatically into the sea. Here, the National Trust, offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, meticulously preserves remnants of Tin Mines, dating back to the early Industrial Revolution. We will dive into the local legends as we visit the mystical Merry Maidens, a prehistoric stone circle steeped in myth and mystery. Cornwall’s rugged coastlines have witnessed numerous shipwrecks, reflecting its perilous maritime history and adding to the area’s allure and intrigue. Venturing even further westward, we will explore the Scilly Isles, where a gentle microclimate nurtures a profusion of wildflowers amidst Tudor Castles and pristine beaches. These islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age, their history intertwined with tales of mariners, pirates, and ancient settlements.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Cornwall and the Scilly Isles - England's Far West Virtual Tour
2024-11-14 12:00 - 2024-12-31 13:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
Cornwall and the Scilly Isles – England’s Far West
View of the Botallack mines, Cornwall

Zoom Rental
Thursday, November 14 | 12:00 p.m. ET
Rob Smith will take us on a captivating virtual tour through the far west of Cornwall, where some of Britain’s oldest rocks cascade dramatically into the sea. Here, the National Trust, offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, meticulously preserves remnants of Tin Mines, dating back to the early Industrial Revolution. We will dive into the local legends as we visit the mystical Merry Maidens, a prehistoric stone circle steeped in myth and mystery. Cornwall’s rugged coastlines have witnessed numerous shipwrecks, reflecting its perilous maritime history and adding to the area’s allure and intrigue. Venturing even further westward, we will explore the Scilly Isles, where a gentle microclimate nurtures a profusion of wildflowers amidst Tudor Castles and pristine beaches. These islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age, their history intertwined with tales of mariners, pirates, and ancient settlements.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | London’s Great Hotels Virtual Tour
2024-11-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
The George Inn is the only remaining galleried inn in London and was familiar to Charles Dickens.
London’s Great Hotels
Zoom Live
Tuesday, November 26 | 2:00 p.m. ET
Before the 19th century, visitors to London had limited options for accommodation, primarily relying on gentlemen’s clubs, lodging houses, and coaching inns. Stephen Benton will unveil the fascinating history of London’s hotels through a digital walking tour, made for Royal Oak. Our journey will begin with the last surviving galleried coaching inn in London, the wonderful George Inn, now preserved by the National Trust. We will explore how the advent of the railway revolutionized travel and accommodation, leading to the establishment of hotels at many of London’s main stations, including the magnificent Gothic marvel at St Pancras. By the early 20th century, some of London’s most iconic hotels had been founded, such as Claridge’s, The Langham, The Ritz, and The Savoy, which was substantially rebuilt in the 1930s in a flamboyant Art Deco style. Between the World Wars, several grand aristocratic townhouses were demolished to make way for iconic hotels like The Dorchester and Grosvenor House. The 1960s introduced London’s first hotel tower, the Hilton, while the 1980s saw the rise of boutique hotels, often housed in repurposed historic buildings. Today, London boasts over 700 hotels with more than 120,000 rooms, ranging from the richly historic to the purely utilitarian. Join Stephen Benton for a captivating exploration of this diverse and ever-evolving landscape.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | London’s Great Hotels Virtual Tour
2024-11-27 12:00 - 2024-12-31 13:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
The George Inn is the only remaining galleried inn in London and was familiar to Charles Dickens.
London’s Great Hotels
Zoom Rental
Wednesday, November 27 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Before the 19th century, visitors to London had limited options for accommodation, primarily relying on gentlemen’s clubs, lodging houses, and coaching inns. Stephen Benton will unveil the fascinating history of London’s hotels through a digital walking tour, made for Royal Oak. Our journey will begin with the last surviving galleried coaching inn in London, the wonderful George Inn, now preserved by the National Trust. We will explore how the advent of the railway revolutionized travel and accommodation, leading to the establishment of hotels at many of London’s main stations, including the magnificent Gothic marvel at St Pancras. By the early 20th century, some of London’s most iconic hotels had been founded, such as Claridge’s, The Langham, The Ritz, and The Savoy, which was substantially rebuilt in the 1930s in a flamboyant Art Deco style. Between the World Wars, several grand aristocratic townhouses were demolished to make way for iconic hotels like The Dorchester and Grosvenor House. The 1960s introduced London’s first hotel tower, the Hilton, while the 1980s saw the rise of boutique hotels, often housed in repurposed historic buildings. Today, London boasts over 700 hotels with more than 120,000 rooms, ranging from the richly historic to the purely utilitarian. Join Stephen Benton for a captivating exploration of this diverse and ever-evolving landscape.
Tickets: $30 Members*; $40 Non-Members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | Streamlined Style: London’s Art Deco Virtual Tour with Stephen Benton
2025-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
Streamlined Style: London’s Art Deco

The city of London is bursting with 1920s and 1930s Art Deco architecture blending streamlined modernity with elegant and bold geometric forms. Our guide, Stephen Benton will take us on a digital journey spotlighting some of London’s notable examples of this glamorous style. We will explore the history and design of Palladium House, built for the European subsidiary of the American Radiator Company. This striking building was designed as a scaled-down version of the American Radiator Building in NYC (now the Bryant Park hotel) featuring the same black granite facing with gold accents. We will also look at the former London Transport Headquarters at 55 Broadway close to St. James’ Park. Designed by Charles Holden, the building was the tallest office block in London in 1929, and its innovative design and sculptures are celebrated as one of the most significant Art Deco designs in the city. The Art Deco style always was associated with industrial progress and modernity. London’s first city-center air terminal—the Imperial Airways Terminal—was built in 1939 as the office headquarters as well as the entrance to the special train platform at Victoria Station. Thousands of ticketed passengers flying from Southampton airport would first pass through this London building to catch a train to their flight. The terminal encapsulates the forward-thinking spirit of the era, reflecting the burgeoning age of air travel with its sleek, aerodynamic design. Our journey will also encompass Peter Jones Department Store on Sloane Square, a remaining example that demonstrates how the Art Deco style influenced retail spaces, combining both functionality with the era’s characteristic stylish aesthetics. Lastly, we will examine the Art Deco transformation of the older Savoy Theatre. Known for its luxurious and streamlined design, the theatre exemplifies how Art Deco style also permeated the world of entertainment, adding a touch of glamour to the performing arts scene.

Zoom Rental | Streamlined Style: London’s Art Deco Virtual Tour with Stephen Benton
2025-02-13 - 2025-03-10 | Zoom Meeting

Zoom | Treason & Tragedy: Death on Tower Hill
2025-04-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
Paul Delaroche, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, 1834. The National Gallery, London. The 9-day Queen was executed inside the Tower on Tower Green.
While the Tower of London may be infamous for its executions, the majority of beheadings actually took place just beyond its walls, on Tower Hill—a site steeped in political turmoil, betrayal, and bloody justice. In this gripping tour, Rob Smith will unravel the dramatic stories of those who met their fate on this notorious execution ground. Tower Hill became the final stage for some of the most high-profile figures in British history, many of whom had once wielded great power, who found themselves condemned as traitors. We will explore the fate of Simon of Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was dragged from the Tower and beheaded by enraged Poll Tax rebels in 1381. Another infamous figure to fall on Tower Hill was Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s once-trusted advisor and architect of the English Reformation. The site also witnessed the beheading of Lord Lovat (Simon Fraser) in 1747—the last man to be publicly executed on Tower Hill. His execution, witnessed by a large crowd, marked the end of an era. This virtual tour will bring to life the gripping stories of those who faced the executioner’s axe—tales of ambition, treachery, courage, and vengeance—while also exploring the historical significance of Tower Hill. Hear about the shadowy events that shaped British history.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Treason & Tragedy: Death on Tower Hill
2025-04-02 12:00 - 2025-06-30 12:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | Discovering Devon: National Trust Treasures
2025-04-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
The Stables at Knightshayes, Devon ©NT Images Mel Peters
Journey through some of Devon’s most captivating National Trust properties, each with its own unique story. From grand estates to hidden collections, history comes to life at every turn. Stephen Benton leads this virtual tour where we start with Lydford Gorge, where dramatic waterfalls and ancient woodlands create a truly magical landscape. And we will soak in the Jazz Age elegance of Coleton Fishacre, the dreamy 1920s retreat of the D’Oyly Carte family, containing Art Deco interiors with windows emphasizing sea views. Nearby is Greenway, Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday home perched on the river, filled with her literary history (and rentable as an NT cottage!). We will hear tales of seafarers at Buckland Abbey, once home to Sir Francis Drake, and explore Killerton, a stunning Georgian home with lush gardens and the Trust’s fashion collection—once gifted away for the sake of political beliefs. We will marvel at the rare Gothic Revival splendor by Victorian visionary, William Burges, at Knightshayes—a complete country gentleman’s dream—surrounded by gardens containing one of the most varied plant collections in England. Finally, we will step inside the granite walls of Castle Drogo, a unique early 20th-century house designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. We will end our tour with a look at a world of feathers and shells featured at A la Ronde, a 16-sided 1790s house.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Discovering Devon: National Trust Treasures
2025-05-01 12:00 - 2025-06-30 12:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | Essex: England’s Quiet Corner
2025-05-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
Bourne Mill, Essex ©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor
Join Royal Oak for a captivating digital tour of Essex, a county rich in history, natural beauty, and architectural treasures. Led by tour guide Rob Smith, we will explore this southern, low-lying region, home to one of England’s longest coastlines, ancient forests, and charming villages. We will explore Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, where significant Roman ruins—including a Roman wall—offer a glimpse into the past. Nearby, picturesque Bourne Mill, originally built as a fishing lodge, was later transformed into a 72-bucket watermill that produced the high-quality woolen cloth for which 17th-century Essex was famous. Just a short walk away, visitors will find some of the area’s most celebrated inns and pubs. We will venture to Paycocke’s House, a stunning Tudor merchant’s home adorned with intricate woodcarvings and paneling—an enduring testament to the wealth generated by Essex’s prosperous cloth trade. However, no area highlights the outstanding natural beauty of Essex as Blackwater Estuary. This important coastal area is the oldest recorded battlefield in England. Copt Hall Marshes are a remote producing farm along the estuary with an incredible breeding area for birds and waterfowl. Northey Island, a remote tidal island—the single largest block of saltmarsh in Blackwater—is the closest you will get to true Essex wilderness and home to many protected bird species. Travel with us digitally as we explore this quiet county, highlighting incredible areas of natural beauty.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Essex: England’s Quiet Corner
2025-05-29 12:00 - 2025-06-30 12:00 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | Gainsborough House & Exhibition: Masterpieces from Kenwood
2025-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
Reopened in 2022 after a transformational refurbishment, Gainsborough House in Suffolk is the National Centre for the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). The house combines the artist’s childhood home—a Grade I, 18th-century merchant brick town house—with new exhibition galleries and facilities. The house holds the world’s largest single concentration of Gainsborough’s work and presents the artist’s life and legacy through dynamic exhibitions. Emma Boyd, the Keeper of Art and Place, will take us on a virtual tour, showing remaining parts of the old house including the hall and oak doorway dating back to the 16th century. She will describe the history of the house (which stayed in the artist’s family until 1792) and illustrate the current exhibition, Masterpieces from Kenwood:The Splendour of British and French Painting (May 9–October 19, 2025). The show features 18th-century masterpieces by both British and French artists, including Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, Angelica Kauffmann, and François Boucher. These masterpieces, on loan from Kenwood House and collected by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847–1927), are displayed alongside the work by Gainsborough. Ms. Boyd will show these outstanding paintings and reveal how Gainsborough’s art fits within the broader context of the artistic work created by his British and French contemporaries.
Tickets: $25 members*; $35 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Gainsborough House & Exhibition: Masterpieces from Kenwood
2025-09-26 - 2025-12-31 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States
Reopened in 2022 after a transformational refurbishment, Gainsborough House in Suffolk is the National Centre for the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). The house combines the artist’s childhood home—a Grade I, 18th-century merchant brick town house—with new exhibition galleries and facilities. The house holds the world’s largest single concentration of Gainsborough’s work and presents the artist’s life and legacy through dynamic exhibitions. Emma Boyd, the Keeper of Art and Place, will take us on a virtual tour, showing remaining parts of the old house including the hall and oak doorway dating back to the 16th century. She will describe the history of the house (which stayed in the artist’s family until 1792) and illustrate the current exhibition, Masterpieces from Kenwood: The Splendour of British and French Painting (May 9–October 19, 2025). The show features 18th-century masterpieces by both British and French artists, including Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, Angelica Kauffmann, and François Boucher. These masterpieces, on loan from Kenwood House and collected by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847–1927), are displayed alongside the work by Gainsborough. Ms. Boyd will show these outstanding paintings and reveal how Gainsborough’s art fits within the broader context of the artistic work created by his British and French contemporaries.
Tickets: $25 members*; $35 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom | Feeding the City: London’s Iconic Food and Drink Factories
2025-09-29 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
London was the largest city in the world during the 19th century, with an appetite to match. As the city’s population exploded, food and drink needed to be produced on an unprecedented industrial scale. In response, sprawling factories sprang up across the capital, churning out everything from biscuits to gin. Some of these London historic food sites remain active today, while others have been repurposed, leaving behind only traces of their industrial legacy. Through this fascinating virtual tour, Rob Smith will take us back to London’s flavorful past as he explores the food factories that helped feed the population of the metropolis. We will explore the story of the Lyle’s Golden Syrup factory in Silvertown—founded in the 1880s and operating today—producing its famous syrup in the world’s oldest branded packaging. We will learn about McVities in Harlesden, home to beloved British biscuits like the Digestive and Jaffa Cakes, and we will explore what became of Gordon’s Gin distillery, once a powerhouse in Clerkenwell. We will also virtually visit the former Sarsons’ vinegar works in Bermondsey, whose towering vats now house creative studios. Rob will reveal what life was like for the factory workers, the production innovations that shaped their industries, and the legacy left by these factories that shaped London’s culinary and urban history.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Feeding the City: London’s Iconic Food and Drink Factories
2025-09-30 - 2025-12-31 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | Glassware, Stone and Beer: Lambeth’s Lost Industry
2025-10-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Webinar, Virtual, United States
Delve into the rich but often overlooked industrial past of Lambeth, once a thriving hub of craftsmanship and production along the Thames. Guided by Richard Watkins, this virtual tour explores the legacy of the industries that once defined the South Bank—from the artistry of Coade Stone, a remarkable artificial stone used in architecture across London, to the decorative ceramics of Doulton’s, and the bustling activity of the Lion Brewery, where barrels of beer once flowed toward Westminster. Using historical images, maps, and surviving landmarks, we’ll trace how this stretch of riverfront evolved—from a landscape of workshops and kilns to one of cultural institutions and modern redevelopment.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account

Zoom Rental | Glassware, Stone and Beer: Lambeth’s Lost Industry
2025-10-31 12:00 - 2025-12-31 23:30 | Zoom Recording, Virtual, New York, NY, 10036, United States

Zoom | From Castles and Cathedrals to Chalk Downs: West Sussex
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
The ruins at Nymans, West Sussex ©National Trust Images/Clive Nichols
West Sussex is a picturesque county, rich in historic towns, grand estates, and stunning National Trust properties. Stephen Benton will lead us on a captivating virtual journey through its varied landscapes and cultural landmarks. Our tour will include a “visit” to Chichester, a cathedral city, and continue to Arundel, known for the magnificent castle, owned by the Dukes of Norfolk, and charming streets. We will also explore West Dean, a historic estate with beautifully restored gardens nestled in the South Downs—formerly the home of poet and Surrealist artist Edward James. Throughout the tour, Stephen will highlight favorite National Trust sites including 17th-century Petworth House, containing a world-class art collection and a 700-acre park; and Uppark, a 17th-and 18th-century house remarkably restored after a 1989 devastating fire. We will also look at the atmospheric ruins and gardens at Nymans as well as the interiors and gardens at Standen, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture and interiors. Finally, we will explore the dramatic landscapes of Devil’s Dyke and the rolling hills that provide West Sussex its timeless character.
Tickets: $30 members*; $40 non-members
*Membership discount applied automatically when logged into your Royal-Oak.org account
