A Passion for People, Places and History with Instructor Ruth Polling
At 18, Ruth Polling began her political journey with an unconventional start. Known as the “polling sister,” she campaigned alongside her siblings outside voting booths, setting the stage for her early political career. Her first job as secretary to Member of Parliament Ed Davey (who would later become Britain's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) marked the beginning of a dynamic path in public service.
Ruth outside the St Paul's Cathedral
By 25, Ruth was already making her mark, elected to Islington Council, representing the Bunhill ward. "Most people want to change the world," she explains, "but I wanted to change the place I lived in." One of her proudest achievements was restoring Ironmonger Row Baths, a 1930s public washroom, reflecting her commitment to local community development.
After 11 years in politics, including roles in the House of Commons and House of Lords, Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in international history. Seeking perspective, she traveled through Europe, an experience that would dramatically reshape her career trajectory.
"While abroad, I met the most amazing travel educators," Ruth recalls, "and I realized that it might be the perfect occupation for me — it used the same skills as politics: communications, public speaking and empathy."
Ruth at the Imperial War Museum
In 2014, she graduated top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year. Her Road Scholar career began almost by chance, leading a World War I memorial program on the 100th anniversary of the war's outbreak. "Their excitement about what they were learning really let me focus on the remembrance aspects," she says.
Ruth has since become a passionate interpreter of London's history, specializing in 20th-century conflict, religious history and politics. She now not only educates travelers, but also teaches others to become travel educators. "I learn so much from Road Scholars," she adds. "Every time they sign up for a program, it's clear they're curious — they've done the work and come with specific, intelligent questions."
Her approach to history is deeply personal. "We think that people in history were so unlike us," Ruth explains, "and I love watching people make those connections. Time may have passed, but we're still so similar."
Road Scholar group at the Imperial War Museum
Interested in sampling one of Ruth’s learning adventures? In 2025, you can find her in our Adventures Online: Adventures Online: A Look at WWII in London & Normandy. On-site, look for her on Churchill’s Finest Hour: A Transatlantic Voyage on QM2.
Participate in the conversation — join the Women of Road Scholar on Facebook.
Road Scholar group at the base of the Churchill statue