We now have an Education Project here at Cowdray and we would be delighted to welcome pupils to come and see this stunning building that has just re-opened after a three and a half million pound restoration project. We are open for school and group visits all year round.
To give you a bit of background - Cowdray was severely damaged by a catastrophic fire in 1793 but a catastrophe of one era has turned out to be a blessing of another. The fire meant that Cowdray was never modernised and is therefore a fantastic example of a Tudor and Stuart house.
Our Education Project offers both student and teacher packs, which we will send to you before your visit. The students are encouraged to work through the pack whilst they are here and then this should lead on to other things once they are back in the classroom. Your visit can either be accompanied by one of our guides alternatively the students can use the audio guide, which has a specialised “children’s tour” on it.
At present we have the following “packs” available but please do let us know if you are working on something in particular that you would like incorporated into your visit to Cowdray.
Knights, Damsels and Dragons – Key Stage 1 or 2
A lovely pack aimed towards younger children, telling the story of a fictitious Princess Katy and her troubles with a dragon! This can be used as part of Knights or Dragons.
Learning points: Story telling,
Clue solving,
Hands on/tactile,
Story boards
Life in a Castle – Key Stage 1 or 2
Looking at what life was like in a castle or grand house 500 years ago.
Learning points: Looking for evidence, Story boards, Hands on/tactile, Art, Reconstructed artefacts from the period, working kitchens, with cooking demonstrations at a small extra charge
Tudors – Key Stage 2
The life and times within a Tudor house based on Cowdray’s owners and royal visitors, who include Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Teachers can follow and complete the packs with the students, or you can take elements out and use them on return to school.
Added Extras: Tudor cooking demonstrations, Quill pen writing, Armoury, weaponry
These can all be arranged for you at a small extra charge.
Stuarts – Key Stage 1
This includes Guy Fawkes and the Great Fire of London. Guy Fawkes worked at Cowdray as a footman, and the Viscount who owned the house was imprisoned for his connection to Fawkes. This building suffered damage by fire, and the effects can be studied and related back to London’s fire. We can even recreate a bucket chain to help students understand fire-fighting in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Learning points: Role play,
Literacy, e.g. writing a diary account of the fire at Cowdray could be related to Pepys’ diary accounts of the Great Fire of London.
Building Materials or How Buildings Change – Key Stage 1 or 2
Finding evidence of how the building has changed over the years. This can be geography-related, putting into context how bricks were made, and how stone and timber were transported and used.
Learning points: Finding evidence for change, Handling of bricks, tiles wood, etc. Use of different materials, Story boards
Putting items into order, for example, building materials, rooms in the house, fashions, household items. Can include timelines, and heraldry or coats of arms.
Stories – Key Stage 2 / Able Pupil
This is aimed at Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils as well as Key Stage 1 Able Pupils who enjoy literacy. It is a selection of five stores about Cowdray based on fact and designed to fuel the imagination.
Learning points: L iteracy / story writing, Story telling, Story boards
Vikings – Key Stage 2
Discover how and why Vikings raided Britain, and take part in a raid on a monastery.
Pirates & Smugglers – Key Stage 1 or 2
Learn about what they did, what they were like and what happened to them if they were caught in the days of George III.
PRICES FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE:
- Children (up to 16 years old) - £3.25 each
- Accompanying adults - free
- Optional Guide - £30.00 per guide (max 20 students per guide)
- Price includes Education Pack and a certificate at the end of the tour entitling the child to free entry on a return visit with a parent or guardian.
If you would like to come and have a look around or have any questions please do not hesitate to call.
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