Intrigued by social scandal, local folklore and unfortunate events in Richmond’s past, Marymount student Inés chose to explore the dark, obscure municipal history of Richmond upon Thames for her Personal Project. This was explored through a guided, historical walking tour, independently created, filmed and edited by Inés herself.
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What was your Personal Project about and why did you choose this topic?
My Personal Project was about the hidden history of Richmond upon Thames, exploring local folklore, crimes, scandals, and other stories most people don’t know about. I got the idea after going on the “Dark Side of Edinburgh” tour in the summer of 2024, which made me realise that some of the most interesting parts of history are the stories that often get forgotten. This inspired me to create and film my own historical walking tour to bring some of Richmond’s hidden stories to life.
Some of the most interesting parts of history are the stories that often get forgotten.
How did you research this topic?
When I did my project, I actually struggled a bit with finding enough online information because my topic was quite specific, so I had to do more primary research instead. I interviewed a historian at the Museum of Richmond and someone from the Richmond Poppy Factory, and I even called a local pub about a ghost story I wanted to include, which was really interesting. It was really cool hearing directly from people who actually know the area, because they gave me details I wouldn’t have found online. It really showed me how much deeper your research can go when you go beyond the internet and talk to people face-to-face.
What were your favourite parts of both the learning and creating processes?
My favourite part of the learning process was seeing how my questions started to change as I did more research. I went from just looking for interesting stories to actually thinking about why these events happened and how they shaped the area. I also really enjoyed the creation process, especially putting the walking tour together and filming it, because it felt like everything I’d learned was coming together into something real. It was quite rewarding to see my ideas develop and become more detailed and thoughtful over time.
I learn best when I’m constantly questioning what I’m reading, instead of passively taking in information.
How did your project transform your learning?
My research really changed the way I learn because it made me realise I learn best when I’m constantly questioning what I’m reading, instead of passively taking in information. Over time, I noticed my thinking shift from just collecting information to actually analysing it and asking why things happened and what the wider impact was. I’ve definitely carried these skills into other subjects too. Since my Personal Project, I use a more active recall approach when revising; rather than writing down things I didn’t fully understand and rereading notes, I test myself.
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Thank you, Inés, for sharing your curiosity with us!
