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History for the Future
A Victorian Childhood Experience
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A Victorian Childhood Experience
Location: Derbyshire
A Victorian Childhood Experience
In March 2006 , Class 5 at the Aston on Trent village primary school turned back the clock a hundred and fifty years and spent a day experiencing the sights and sounds of Victorian life. Throughout the day the children, bedecked in the dress of that time, were ably led by Richard York, an educational workshop tutor based in Northampton.
The children began the day in the 'Drawing Room' of a well to do family, learning about the relationship between the family and the servants. They learnt several songs to the accompaniment of Richard on a genuine Victorian harmonium before moving to a 'Street Market' environment shouting the street cries of the stallholders, watching out for pickpockets and understanding the role of the Knocker Up man.
Then it was off to the 'Workhouse' for a spell of doom and misery learning about the plight of those to poor or ill to work. Hearing about the harsh conditions including punishing young children by making them sleep on the coffin lids of dead inmates (ugh!) was soon replaced by the more convivial surroundings of the 'Music Hall'. Richard turned from Victorian gent to street busker and soon had the children cheering at his puppet's antics and the amusing songs from the stage.
The children then returned to the 'Drawing Room' to meet their stern Victorian father (Richard again!) before singing more songs from the parlour.
At the end of the day Class 5 put on a full performance for parents local history group members and other children which was simply stunning given they had learnt so much material in the space of just one day.
The 'History for the Future' project funded the experience to engage children in the local history project and will be funding another activity day next year.
And the reaction from the school and the children? 'GREAT! When can we have another one?
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