Bryn Mawr history park educational and school visits

Step back in time at Bryn Mawr to the Middle Ages -the days of Knights in armour, chivalry, the tournament and the longbow. Experience life in a fortified medieval encampment; see how people lived over 700 years ago, the clothes they wore, the food they ate, and the games they played. Try your hand at a range of activities from shooting the longbow, training to be a squire to medieval cooking.

Medieval activity days are guided and supervised educational days for children, set within a tented encampment of authentically costumed demonstrators and interpreters. They are presented within the History Park and bring the past to life, making history and heritage accessible to all abilities.

Presenting living history through 'hands on' practical demonstrations ; allowing the children to handle a range of medieval artefacts combined with the sights , sounds and smells of life in the age of the castle provides a ready mix of entertainment and education.

Medieval history features at Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum and the activity day gives a valuable insight and understanding of this period for the 11 to 13 year old student - however it is suitable for all children from those who may be helped to 'recognise the distinction between the past and present' at key Stage 1 as to 'recognise links between the past and the present' at Key Stage 2. The educational demonstrations include a range of original medieval artefacts for the students to examine and compare with reproduction items. There are other links with the National Curriculum from the activity day including, Archaeology, Crafts, English, Science and Technology. The activity day is presented in two sessions with the first being spent on a guided tour around the various tents that make up our living history encampment.

Experience the life of a soldier from the Welsh wars with the forces of the Welsh Princes during the turbulent Middle Ages. Set within the grounds of the ancient monument now in the care of Bryn Mawr Heritage Trust Castell Newydd Domen presents a unique insight into the world of medieval Wales.



Within each tent different aspects of medieval life is demonstrated by our authentically costumed interpreters, from the martial arts of the warrior knights to the crafts of the artisans and smiths.

The second session allows the children to "have-a-go" and experience the activities demonstrated earlier for them, seeing how hard it is to shoot the longbow or learning how to spin medieval thread for example.

The day may also include a medieval tournament, games and festivities.

Educational resource packs are available to allow preparation before the visit and facilitate follow up work.