1 Welcome!
Step into historic shoes
Each week of the summer holidays we’re inviting families (and those young at heart) to play with the past by trying out different medieval jobs.
Why not start your journey with our free ‘download and print’ game That Job is History, where you have to pitch for a job like ‘gong farmer’ (poo shoveller) using the three skills cards you’ve drawn. Excellent for encouraging creative thinking and persuasive talking!
If you've younger children we'd recommend our Play Castles at Home download. No need to print - just have a look at the activity suggestions and take them any direction you choose!
Here's what you can look forward to:
- Week 1: Train as a castle-building stonemason
- Week 2: Get kitted out as a jousting knight
- Week 3: Party like a King or Queen
- Week 4: Prepare for a medieval battle
- Week 5: Create some royal works of art
- Week 6: Immerse yourself in abbey life
We’d love to hear what you get up to – please share your #LearningWithHES with us online!
PS – If you’ve got through all this week’s activities and are hungry for more, check out our Learn at Home page for even more ideas!
2 Week 1 - Train to be a stonemason!
Train as a castle-building stonemason
Time to flex your design, building and creative muscles!
Medieval stonemasons were responsible for building structures like castles and cathedrals - many of which still stand today. They had to make do without the computer design tools or the electric equipment that modern architects and builders use, and were often given the challenge of remodelling existing buildings as styles and needs changed.
Here are a few ways that you can step into the shoes of a medieval stonemason from home:
Prepare your site like a master mason
Have a look at some medieval construction techniques and try a few out a few of the challenges:
Den time!
Make a castle den (inside or outside) with inspiration from some of these recreations of castle features made from household objects.
Carve a masterpiece from soap
Try out some soap carving inspired by medieval stone work.
Get messy making marks! (early years)
Try some sensory play activities inspired by masons' marks.
Pens and paper at the ready!
Make your own mask of one of the carved stone heads at Elgin Cathedral.
We hope you enjoyed your time as a stonemason in training. See you next week when we'll get you all kitted up as a jousting knight!
We'd love to hear about your building adventures - please do share your #LearningWithHES with us online.