Led sessions

Our ‘Chronology’ session tells the history of Winchester’s Castle and Great Hall. Children are encouraged to explore the building for evidence of previous occupants and then use a trail with a story book, map and clue sheet that tells the story of the Hall through the people who have lived and worked here – some more famous than others! The trail draws attention to the Hall’s constant but changing use over the past 800 years and we work together to produce a time line of images of the people and artefacts they may have used. We have copies of primary sources such as maps, plans, prints and photographs of the Castle site to illustrate the chronology of change.

Our ‘Myths and Legends’ session enables children to explore the Great Hall in terms of stories relating to people and events from history but also the narratives that they may have brought into the hall through artefacts and decoration, including The Round Table and the stories of King Arthur. It gives children the opportunity to use the fabric of the hall to develop their own alternative ‘myths and legends’ on story boards and by using props and dressing up at ‘story hotspots’ around the Hall.

Both our sessions can last for between one to two hours depending on your time constraints. The activities are tailored to suit the age and ability of the class. All the group work within the sessions requires staff and helpers to participate with their groups.