Talking time travel with Professor Stephen Hawking

The students from Christ's Hospital, were invited by Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor of the City London, to see Professor Hawking receive the Honorary Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall on Monday (March 6).

Jack Inch, 16, of Felbridge, described meeting the theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author as "a momentous occasion" and said: "I am very proud that we had the opportunity of being photographed with the professor, a kind gesture made possible by the Lord Mayor."

He added: "It was great to see that Professor Hawking possesses such a good sense of humour, sharing memories about his early school life and his life in London.

"After the ceremony, the professor answered questions on artificial intelligence, extraterritorial life and time travel.

"It was not only a pleasure to meet Professor Hawking but also to be introduced to Professor Fay Dowker from Imperial College London, who was a PhD student under Professor Stephen Hawking.

"We discussed a variety of topics ranging from physics to philosophy including the colonisation of Mars and new political systems, quantum electrodynamics, free will and, again, time travel."

Professor Hawking was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his outstanding contribution to theoretical physics and cosmology.

It is an honour reserved only for the truly exceptional in their field, with previous recipients being Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandala and Tim Berners-Lee.

Jack added: "On behalf of all the pupils involved, I would like to thank the Lord Mayor for extending an invitation to our school to attend such important ceremony which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and will be remembered for the rest our lives.”

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