Ten years ago this month, London experienced an attack similar to 9/11 in the United States. Until I studied abroad in London, I had not heard of the attacks. Studying abroad helped me not only learn more about London’s history, but becoming a global citizen. Since returning to the United States, I have paid more attention to world events and the effects they can have across multiple countries. Taking the time to learn about events, such as the attacks, can help give you a better understanding of the people and the culture. This information can be helpful in preparing you to study abroad in London and to get you thinking more about events around the world.   

7 July, 2005

Around 8:50am on July 7, 2005, as rush hour was ending in London, three bombs went off on the underground trains of the Tube. The bombs were near Liverpool Street station, Edgware Road Station, and King’s Cross Station. The final bomb went off an hour later on a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square. Four suicide bombers coordinated the attacks, killing 52 people and injuring more than 700 others that morning. 

Below is a link of a story BBC News did that covered what happened, routes of the bombers, and the investigation. 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/uk/05/london_blasts/what_happened/html/

Post-Attack

As a result of the attacks ten years ago, Londoners are very wary and skeptical about unattended bags, especially in the Tube. So while you are in London, make sure you keep all of your bags close to you. 

One afternoon while I was on my way home from class, there was a bag that seemed to be unattended in the train car. Several people were asking if that was anyone’s bag and no one was responding so they immediately alerted the platform attendant and we all had to get off the train. I could tell many of the other passengers were becoming uneasy about the bag. Turns out, the person had headphones in and the volume up loud enough he couldn’t hear. Once he realized what was going on, he picked up his bag. The platform attendant told him to make sure he keeps his bag closer next time. 

It was in this moment that I realized how much of an impact the bombings had on London and how it changed something as simple as a bag not sitting close enough to someone to know it is their bag. After hearing stories of the London Attacks, it reminded me a lot of 9/11 in the United States. Although I was only in the 5th grade when it happened, I will always be able to remember that day. I’ll never forget where I was or what it felt like watching the news. I can imagine many Londoners feel the same way about July 7, 2005. 

7 July Memorial 

During my time in Hyde Park, I made sure I visited the 7 July Memorial. The memorial contains 52 columns and they are grouped into four clusters representing the four bombing locations. Each column has the date, place, and time of the bombing. There is also a plaque that lists the names of the victims. The memorial was dedicated in 2009. 

Just as 9/11 brought the United States closer together, the 7/7 Bombings caused the people of London to rally together and keep moving forward. Personally, living in a culture versus taking a vacation and only seeing tourist attractions made a big difference in my experience and helped to open my eyes and mind to what it means to live in London. I’ll always consider it my second home.  

Heather Robinette is the London Study Abroad Editor for Wandering Educators. She notes, "During the summer of 2011, I studied abroad for six weeks in London at the University of Westminster with Academics Programs International. I graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I currently work as a marketing analyst for a small company in central Texas. I am also pursuing my MBA. While I was abroad in London, I was able to create many unforgettable memories that I will never forget! My study abroad experience helped me gain various skills, but above all else, it helped me to learn more about myself and the world around me."
 

All photos courtesy and copyright Heather Robinette