Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Coronation benches designed by children to be at Tower of London all summer

Schoolchildren across the country entered the nationwide competition.

Catherine Wylie
Wednesday 03 May 2023 09:05 EDT
The benches can be seen at the Tower of London (PA)
The benches can be seen at the Tower of London (PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Coronation benches designed by schoolchildren across the UK will be at the Tower of London throughout the summer.

The 14 illustrated benches reflect the values and symbols that young people wish to define this new era, Historic Royal Palaces said.

Schoolchildren across the country were tasked with designing their own illustrated benches, exploring their hopes for the future during the new reign, as part of a nationwide competition.

Visitors to the Tower of London between May and September will have the opportunity to see each of the installations.

Four of the winning benches will look out onto the River Thames from the Tower wharf, while another 10 benches will be positioned inside the Tower of London walls.

The winning designs feature themes ranging from unity and peace, to resilience and care for the environment.

Ceri Fox, senior learning producer at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We are delighted to see the winning designs brought to life and installed at the Tower of London, ready to welcome tens of thousands of visitors throughout the summer during this historic coronation year.

“Schoolchildren across the country have worked hard to develop thoughtful and creative illustrations for their coronation benches, and we look forward to welcoming the winning pupils for their VIP visits this summer.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in