History at Luston and Shobdon
History Lead:Lowri Thomas & Mary Freeman
We teach history to help children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. When teaching the History topics, in line with the National Curriculum, we use a range of resources and activities including but not limited to; enquiry skill based activities, artefacts / replicas, pictures, videos and technology to develop their analytical thinking and questioning skills as well as to help inspire their curiosity and interest in the past and the world around them.
What History looks like across the Federation
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History activities to try at home
Recommended Reads
Books for Topics
Discover a plethora of recommended reads on the Books for Topics website. There is something for every topic and every age range.
BBC Teach: History Clips
Local Links
We are so lucky to have many wonderful historical places to visit in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas. Why not plan a family visit soon?
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Croft Castle
Croft Castle
Croft Castle boasts over 1500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore. The castle itself has numerous intriguing options for kids including getting hands on with the grand piano and access to vintage toys and games like snakes and ladders, tiddly winks, train sets and mah-jong! Plus they offer guided attic and cellar tours for a bit more historical insight and education.
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Berrington Hall
Berrington Hall
Created as the perfect house in the perfect setting, Berrington Hall has many secrets for visitors to uncover. In this, one of Henry Holland's first houses, visitors can explore the family rooms and see how the servants moved around the house unseen by the family and guests.
The interiors include Biaggio Rebecca ceilings, fine period furniture and there are some pieces on display from the Wade Collection (on loan from Snowshill Manor). The house is surrounded by Capability Brown's final landscape. Though it has a slightly austere exterior, the house has delicate interiors and a homely, welcoming feel.
Outside relax in the gardens, including traditional Herefordshire orchards, get creative in their den-building area and join a garden, parkland or architecture tour. -
Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle
Welcome to Ludlow Castle, an unusually complete range of medieval buildings with a varied history of Norman Fortress, Fortified Palace, Administrative Centre and finally the romantic ruin it is today.
Owned by the Earl of Powis Estates since the early eighteen hundreds, the castle was purchased to prevent its destruction. As well hosting thousands of day visitors throughout the year it is now central to several annual festivals and events that have become famous countrywide, thus increasing a well-documented inheritance and literary traditions. The castle holds its own family events during the school holidays with a growing portfolio that includes Guided Tours, Living History, Birds of Prey flying displays and a Medieval Christmas Fayre in November.
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The Judges Lodging
The Judges Lodging
From the stunningly and sympathetically restored judge's apartments through to the rather dingier servants' quarters below floors, you and the kids can explore this gas-lit world of old-time justice. Away from the posh bits the damp and dank cells remind you of the building's true function, and inside the huge courtroom you can listen to the echoing trial of William Morgan, a local duck thief! Bound to get little imaginations going!
All guests are accompanied by an unusual and exciting eavesdropping audiotour", where voices from the past will tell their tales, from simple Mary the hardworking maid up to the Reverend Richard Lister Venables who was also Chairman of the Magistrates.
Plus their near total Hands-On policy permits you and the kids to actually sit in the judge's special chair, study his books, or even pump some water in the kitchen - though they quite reasonably draw the line at using the old fashioned commodes! There are also
Away from the Lodgings some local archaeological treasures include the Standing Stones, a Holy Well and the dominating ruins of Stapleton Castle which look out over the town. Plus for nature lovers The Withybeds and Wentes Meadow and Silia Wood are both nearby for some family exploration and a sneaky rambler can walk right from town to country in minutes using the local paths. For those who prefer to stay on the beaten path however the National trails of Mortimer's Trail, Offa's Dyke and Glyndwr's Way all pass nearby too.
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The Cider Museum
The Cider Museum
The Cider Museum Hereford provides an interesting look at how cider has been made over the centuries, and has an extensive collection, which includes cider presses, bottles and mills, old photographs, advertising memorabilia, and a rare collection of 18th century English cider flutes made from lead crystal.
The museum is set in an old cider making factory, with a cooper's workshop, vat house, and original champagne cider cellars to explore, plus loads of cider making equipment. Kids can learn all about the apple, including the surprising number of varieties, through oral history recordings, vintage films and interactive computers. There is also the chance to dress up in a 19th century replica smock!The museum also holds a cider making festival every October, which is well worth a visit as it includes demonstrations of traditional cider making, woodturning and blacksmith demonstrations, plus Coopering and Beekeeping exhibitions. You can also see some Morris Dancing, and there are a number of Children's activities to enjoy.
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Acton Scott Farm
Acton Scott Farm
Acton Scott Working Farm has long provided the opportunity to become familiar with the country life of yesteryear.
Its Historic Working Farm is a wonderful visitor attraction with daily activities and special events. You will see traditional 19th century farm life unfold daily, while the land around is worked by heavy horses.
There are daily demonstrations of period skills and visits from the Wheelwright, Farrier and Blacksmith, providing a picture of life as it might have been on a Victorian country estate.
History Knowledge Organisers
Ancient Egyptians |
Ancient Greece |
Anglo-Saxons |
Mayans |
Roman Britain |
Tudors |
WW1 |
WW2 |