Living History Workshops - History Workshops for Schools & Community Groups
The History of the Romney Marsh
Looking at the history of Kent and life on the Romney Marshes.
Smugglers, Bailiffs, Lookers and strange lingering mists - the Romney Marshes are steeped in history, much of which can still be seen today.
Up to 60 children at a time.
 
 
 
We start the day with a short play, introducing Thomas Miller, a school master who lived on the Romney Marshes in the 18th Century.The children have the opportunity to try on some costumes and handle reproduction weapons.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
Using maps and pictures we look at how the
Romney Marshes were formed, and what architecture and archaeology can tell us about how the area has changed.  Different historical sources are discussed- some of which the children will be able to touch and pass around. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An 18th Century school lesson is held - led by our
school master, Thomas Miller.  All participants are invited to wear costumes which they can remain in for the rest of the day.
 
 
 
 
After lunch it's time for food tasting - the children get to try out some traditional food, based on recipes from the 1700's.
 
We use volunteers to form a human time-line, and the children are encouraged to ask questions about the different eras.  What would YOU ask someone from the 18th Century?
 
 
 
 
The children then get to try their hand at
 a traditional craft - felt making - perfect for making those smuggler's hats!
 
 
Extracts from Thomas Millers' Diary are read out, and the children are helped to write their own plays in small groups.  Props and costumes are provided, and  after a brief rehearsal, the day finishes with performances from all of the groups.
 
 
Living Local History Sample Day Plan
  • 09.00-09.30     Class have registration/assembly as normal
  • 09.30-10.30     Enter Living History Workshops in costume.  Play. Weapon 
                           demonstration.  Romney Marsh token.
  • 10.30-10.45    Playtime
  • 10.45-11.30     What were the Romney Marshes like three hundred years ago and
                            how were they formed?  Interactive maps and pictures. Introduction
                            to archaeology and different historical sources.
  • 11.30-12.00     18th Century school lesson.
  • 12.15-13.15     Lunchtime
  • 13.15-13.45     Food tasting - authentic 18th Century fare. 
  • 13.45-14.00     When did all this happen? Human timeline.
  • 14.00-14.15     Felt making.
  • 14.15-15.15     Write plays, rehearse and perform using costumes and props.
  • 15.15               End
This is intended as a guide only - the schedule can be changed to suit your school's needs
 
The one day Local Living History workshop is designed to cover the following
 areas of the curriculum:
* What our area is like today and how it has changed
* Using maps to explore how the area has changed
*Different historical sources and how they may be used
*Chronological order
*  Speaking and Listening
*  Drama and empathy
 
 
Prices
Whole Day £250
Half DAy £150
 
  • Each workshop goes out with 2 members of staff and can be fitted around the normal school timetable.
  • We cater for up to 60 children at a time
  • £250 for a whole day/£150 for a half day workshop
  • £1 per child for materials
  • Please contact us for a travel quote
  • We carry Public liability insurance and all of our members hold enhanced CRB checks.
  • Please click HERE to contact us for more details.