Celts
- Discover the different tribes inhabiting Britain before and during the Roman invasion.
- Learn the importance placed by the Celts on the environment and treating the elements with respect.
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- Join the Druids as they worship the gods and learn the importance placed by the Celts on the environment and treating the elements with respect.
- Celtic people were highly skilled and creative making complicated jewellery, swords and golden Torcs for people of power and influence.
- Observe the difference between the two cultures - Celtic and Roman and how their beliefs clash with regard to women’s rights and ownership of land and property.
- Join Boudicca and her followers into battle as they endeavour to rid Britain of Roman rule.
Romans
- From the legend of Romulus and Remus, General Julius Caesar rises up to become the first Emperor of Rome.
- Will our Roman soldiers manage to hold formation in the Tortoise under a hail of spears?
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- Learn how, with the aid of Mark Anthony and tactics, they defeat a cavalry charge.
- Under the reign of Emporer Augustus learn how the Empire expands.
- Will our Roman soldiers manage to hold formation in the Tortoise under a hail of spears?
- Will Paulinus Seutonius manage to defeat Queen Boudicca near the Midlands?
- Visit Hadrian’s wall and learn how the Celts and the Romans became Romano British.
Vikings
- This action packed workshop includes a number of Viking experiences.
- Barter and visit foreign shores including Russia, Arabia and India.
- Become characters from Odin's Search for Wisdom.
- Join in a longboard raid, enjoy a Viking feast and attend a Viking burial.
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- Visit Birka the biggest trading post in Sweden and barter with visitors from foreign shores such as Russia, Arabia and India.
- Attend ‘The Thing’ as King Bloodaxe sits in judgement over a dispute between 2 villagers and must be settled by 12 selected Vikings.
- Travel across the ocean in a longboat raid Lindisfarne for booty and a village for food and enjoy a feast, dancing and a skald.
- No gathering would be complete without a saga. Become some of the characters from Odin’s Search for Wisdom.
- Finally attend a Viking burial to honour a warrior destined for Val Halla.
King Alfred and the Saxons
- Experience the troubled times the Saxons faced during the Viking invasion.
- Find out how Britain was ruled by both King Alfred of the Saxons and King Guthrun of the Vikings.
- Learn how King Alfred, keen to educate his subjects, changed the country.
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- As a boy, Alfred was sent to Rome to meet the Pope and learn and study Christianity.
- From the depths of Romney Marshes, Alfred rose to become King and defeat the Vikings.
- Making a pact with Viking King Guthrun, they divided Britain and peace was made.
- Through perseverance and with the help of Aesop’s Fables, King Alfred encouraged people to read and become educated.
- His daughter, The Lady of Mercia, carried on Alfred’s teaching and went on to protect any Saxon’s under threat.
- King Athlestan, his grandson was presented with the Cingulum and the robe that Alfred had originally received from the Pope, went on to unite all of Britain, further educate people and brought in new laws to govern by.
Norman Invasion
World War II - Evacuees
- After a triple battle between Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada, who will rule England after Edward The Confessor's reign.
- All the children participate by dressing up and becoming different characters, with lots of controlled swords play.
- Attend a banquet and enjoy some medieval entertainment.
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- We finish the battles at Hastings to see William crowned as King with Queen Matilda by his side.
- In order to protect England from any other invaders, the villages are instructed to build a Motte and Bailey Castle.
- Learning how they managed to build so many, in a short space of time.
- Farming methods were very important to the survival of the community and we look at how the feudal system worked from the King down to the peasants.
- Enjoy a sumptuous feast at the banquet and be entertained by knights jousting and showing off their fighting skills.
- Prepare to be evacuated with operation Pied Piper and make sure you have your identity card, ration book and clothing allowance.
- Watch out for air raids, learn about rations, find your way in the dark and crack the code left by a spy.
- Enjoy a street party as everyone celebrates VE Day.
- Workshop length: 1 hour 30 minutes
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- Collect your gasmask, cuddly toy, flannel, hairbrush etc and set off for your billet, as you board a train and settle down for a long journey.
- Find out where you will end up: at the country mansion, local farm, or helping out at the local shop. Will you end up with Mr and Mrs Grumpy?
- Watch out for the air raids and know where you can be safe.
- Take your ration books and learn how to make your food and clothes go further.
- Can you crack the code left by a spy.
- Will you be able to find your way home in the dark, with no sign posts to guide you or lighting?
- Enjoy the street party as everyone celebrates VE day and join the throng as they dance in the street to the Lambeth Walk.