History Off the Page, with up to 90 children, brings Tudor England to life. History Off the Page provides valuable learning opportunities for the pupils through a combination of role-play, practical activities and hands on experience with facsimile artefacts. The hall will become a Tudor household and the participants will take on the roles of peasants, traders, craftsmen etc. who will be busy at their tasks while sharing all the latest gossip.

Setting

Through drama and role-play a Tudor household comes to life on either the 19th May 1536 (death of Anne Boleyn) or the 24th October 1537 (death of Jane Seymour). The 15th January 1559 (Coronation of Elizabeth 1) or an Armada date are also possible.

Workshops

History off the Page will bring all the equipment and materials needed to set up workshops in your hall. The school needs to provide tables and adult supervisors. The atmosphere will be created by using drama and role-play, facsimile items and the sort of materials which were used by the Tudors. The tables will be covered to protect them. The workshops normally include:

• Making scent bags and a salve for the skin.
• The Alchemist’s apprentices.
• The schoolroom.
• Making soap balls and pomanders.
• Tooling leather.
• The Apothecary
• Candle dipping.
• Blackwork embroidery.
• The barber-surgeon.
• Archaeological dig box.

Banquet

During the afternoon session the pupils will experience a Tudor banquet, which will continue the pupils role-playing, and provides further historical information on the life of King Henry. The banquet makes use of many of the late mediaeval traditions and customs. The afternoon is divided into the following sessions:

• Preparation for the banquet
• Having the banquet (Food will be served by servitors and includes performances by the children taking the roles of actors, dancers and singers. The school will need to provide simple food.)
• A review of the day

Costumes are available to order from Off the Peg.

For more information contact us...