May 5

Today we traveled from Scotland to London, England. While in London, we will be staying at Regent's University. 


In 1984 a Crown lease was taken by Rockford College, from Illinois, USA, which founded Regent's College primarily to provide a "study abroad" program. This would provide courses with a clear British focus and immersion into the culture. The first students arrived in 1985 and a steady flow from the USA has continued, despite the pressures of world events. Gradually, other institutions began to take up residence on the campus. 

In April 2013, Regent's College met the criteria to become a University, having been awarded taught degree powers in the Autumn of 2012. Regent's Park, as we know it today, was designed in 1811 by John Nash, the favored architect of the Prince Regent, later George IV. Surrounded by classical style terraces, Regent's Park spans over 410 acres and includes a lake, canal, and a number of villas.
 Later in the afternoon, we took the Tube to Piccadilly Circus where we ventured to Trafalgar Square. Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster, built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with PiccadillyWe also visited the Statue of Eros. Eros was the God of Love. The statue may really be the Angel of Christian Charity, or Anteros, the brother of Eros, but Londoners call him Eros. 
We then made our way to Trafalgar Square, a public space and tourist attraction in central London. In the middle of the square is Nelson's Column, which is protected by four massive lions at the base. Nelson's Column was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The monument was constructed between 1840 and 1843. 

The square also houses the National Gallery, an art museum, as a major focal point for the city. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. 




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