Y5 had a brilliant end to their first full week back with a fun and interesting trip to Basing House. Linking to their previous topic in Y4, about our local history and the Tudors, Beech and Chestnut Class walked down to the attraction and were greeted by staff in traditional costume. There, we split into our two classes and enjoyed workshops or a self-guided tour around the site, before swapping after lunch. 

In the workshops, we saw artefacts found within the site by archaeologists, touching them and working out what they were. We were surprised to learn that oysters were very commonly eaten at the time of Basing House, and many shells have been dug up. Additionally, we saw replicas of shoes worn at the time, as well as bells that cows and horses wore. Next, we visited the Barn and looked at the features, including the narrow windows and beautiful roof. Lastly, we enjoyed a workshop learning about traditional medicine and how to diagnose different colours of urine! We also decided which foods existed in Tudor times, and which foods were only accessible to the rich. Many were surprised to find that fruit like bananas and kiwis would have been unfamiliar to the Tudors, as were potatoes!

At midday, the classes enjoyed their packed lunches together in the Walled Garden, followed by a little run around. 

When on the self - led tour, the groups visited the museum, where they could take part in coin rubbing, using chalk on paper to learn the intricate details of old coins. We then walked up to the large cannon and admired the view, before climbing the stairs up to the actual viewpoint overlooking the ruins. We saw all the features of the old house and were inspired by how grand it must have been! The children also learnt all about the Civil War, and many were then re-enacting the battle between the Cavaliers and Parliamentarians in the time of King Charles I. 

A long, uphill walk back to school loomed... but we know everyone had a brilliant day and learnt lots. Well done to all for their positive attitudes and behaviours.