Year 5 visited Basing House on Friday 13th September to explore the ruins and take part in a number of activities to develop their understanding of what happened there.

It was a delightful day and the weather was certainly on our side. The children were able to explore genuine artefacts found on the site that were used by people living in the house at the time. Analysing these sources took careful thought (and careful handling!) and the items helped shape the children's understanding of what life was like for the people living around the time of the English Civil War.

Moving around the actual site itself showed the children what remains of the house. Using a painting of the house (as it was being destroyed in the final siege) allowed the children to plot out where the old and new houses were and where the parliamentary forces would have attacked from. We also learnt more about the lives of the people living there and what some of their jobs would have been.

Lastly, we had the wonderful English Civil War Society (ECWS) join us and they gave us a wonderful insight into key areas of life for those living at the time. The children learned about cannons and artillery fire, pikemen and musketmen, entertainment and life for a gentleman. The ECWS certainly brought the learning to life and we are grateful for the support of all volunteers and staff who helped make the trip go as well as it did!