Workshops Gunpowder Plot introduction Apothecary Armour & Weaponry Calligraphy Dance Music Surgery

Forms & letters Booking form Costume hire What costumes look like Letter to parents Monitoring form

General information How to book us Workshop overview Teachers' guide & school curriculum Preparing for a school visit

Overview of our Educational Workshops

Gunpowder Plot - The Story

Learn the true facts surrounding the events of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
Local families planned the plot, and Guy Fawkes was well known to the Goverment as early as 1600. The aim of the plot was to take by force the little nine year old Princess Elizabeth from Coombe Abbey, and place her on the throne of England as a Catholic Queen. We know the outcome, but we have never learnt the lessons which these events in our history should have taught us; Tolerance, Understanding, and respect for others. You never know who you might meet during this workshop. Come along and listen to our story tellers, and remember to watch out for characters from Coombe, Coventry and beyond.

Learn more about Gunpowder Plot.

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Apothecary

Join in looking at the ointments, lotions and potions that were available at the time. How were they made, which natural ingredients were used, and which ailments could they be used to treat? Do you recognize any remedies that we still use today?

Learn more about Apothecary.

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Armour & Weaponry

The workshops are planned to encourage the students to learn more about their history by the safe handling of replica weapons (which have been made safe for small hands), which would have been common place at the time. We also have replica armour (steel), which some children will have the chance to try on. We do this so that children can experience the weight and movement restrictions. They will also learn the importance of Flags and Field signs. The two workshop leaders have between them over thirty years experience working with children and young people, and not only try to enlighten the young, but also to listen and learn from them.

Learn more about Armour & Weaponry.

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Calligraphy

Find out how people communicated in this period, the styles of writing and the writing materials available. Learn how the language was used, and how different is it from our own English today. Investigate the written evidence, and interpret the signatures on the confession of one of the plotters.

Learn more about Calligraphy.

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Dance

A brief look at costume and etiquette in 1605, followed by learning courtly and country dances of the period, including a dance that Princess Elizabeth, daughter of James 1st, would have performed while she was living at Coombe.

Learn more about Dance.

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Music

In many senses the Renaissance period is where music as we know it today began. The children will be introduced to a variety of musical instruments that were in use around the time of the Gunpowder Plot. Explore the difference between courtly music and folk music, and enjoy taking part in rhythm and singing.

Learn more about Music.

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Surgery

In 1605, there were no antiseptics, no anaesthetics, and little understanding about the causes of infection and disease, but surgery was still carried out when necessary, have a look at the tools used - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!
Also learn about bullet removal, limb amputation, trepanning (cutting holes in the head), amputation tools, arrow pullers, cauteries (hot irons) to stop bleeding, bloodletting tools, using leeches... and much more.

Learn more about Surgery.

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Workshops Gunpowder Plot introduction Apothecary Armour & Weaponry Calligraphy Dance Music Surgery

Forms & letters Booking form Costume hire What costumes look like Letter to parents Monitoring form

General information How to book us Workshop overview Teachers' guide & school curriculum Preparing for a school visit