Victorian Life in the Big House

Children learn proper table service as part of Off the Page's Victorian school workshop, "Life In The Big House".
Children take on roles as servers during the Life in the Big House workshop.

Lord Salisbury just received a letter — Queen Victoria plans to visit next week! It is a great honour, and the whole house needs to be ready. All the preparations “above stairs”, “below stairs” and “outside” must be completed to the highest standard. There is much to do!

The children take the roles of both residents and servants during the morning session, moving amongst nine “rooms” set up to resemble a stately Victorian home. They complete important tasks to prepare for the Queen’s visit, including setting the table, polishing the silver and washing clothes, among others.

During the afternoon, the children learn a varity of entertainments to put on their own Victorian music hall.

(View our risk assessment of the day’s activities in a new tab.)

EXPLORE THE VICTORIANS’ LEGACY WITH OUR VIRTUAL VICTORIAN WORKSHOP

 

How You Contribute to the Day

To make the most of your children’s day, please help us with the following:

  • Adult helpers: The number of children participating determines how many work stations our Teacher brings. Please recruit a corresponding number of adults (teachers, TAs, parents) to oversee the activities and the afternoon session. (Your booking form lists the exact number needed.)
  • The school hall: Please reserve the school hall for the full day (it is not a problem if it is used for lunch).
  • Costumes: Please encourage the children to dress up in simple costumes. It helps them feel the part.

Please note that we still require adult helpers for in-school days. If this conflicts with your schools coronavirus policies, please let us know — a virtual workshop might be a better option for your school.

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What to Wear

Costumes need not be complicated — we suggest the following “homemade” alternatives:

  • Boys: Either short trousers and long socks, or long trousers/track suit bottoms tucked into long socks. A collar-less shirt (cut the collar off an old one!) A waistcoat and /or a cap could also be worn.
  • Girls: Either a long dress nipped in at the waist, or a long skirt and a blouse. A white apron or a smock could also be worn. A mob cap or a hat and a shawl would complete the look.

 

Photos of the In-School Day:

Children write postcards to Queen Victoria as part of a Victorian school workshop, Children look at vintage photographs as part of a Victorian school workshop, Children learn to set a table as part of Off the Page's Victorian school workshop, Children take part of one of Off the Page's school history workshops, the Victorian A boy pretends to iron a shirt during Off the Page's Victorian school workshop, Victorian Life