The Balloons and Kites visited the London Metropolitan Archives on Tuesday 6th February and were treated to a tour around the whole building.  The children learned how old and precious documents are stored and got to see one of Shakespeare’s signature; this was on a contract he signed, when he bought a house, which seemed to delight and amuse the children.  The children were also wowed by old maps of the whole of the Barbican area, which showed how the city of London has mushroomed over 400 years. The children’s final treat was a visit to an exhibition of the convicts, who were sent to Australia- there were some amazing documents and early photographs to look at. A thoroughly lovely, but very educational trip indeed.