Rich & Poor in Tudor Times

Children will discover the differences between the lives of the rich and poor in Tudor times through exploration of the unique Manor Lodge site and through learning about the wealthy lords and ladies who lived here and their servants.

Pupils will then use inventories, materials, pictures and replica items to discover how life was different for the rich who had  luxuries and poor who had to make do and mend.

They will have the opportunity to dress up in our authentic children’s Tudor costumes.

Pupils will learn about Tudor money and how the Tudors would have also used chickens and grain as currency. Pupils will make a leather Tudor purse and replica coins to take back to school.

Curriculum Links

This session is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils and supports the History programme of study and Unit 8 of QCA  Scheme of Work.: What were the differences between the lives of rich and poor people in Tudor times?

History 2: Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past.

Pupils will understand the attitudes and experiences of certain groups within Tudor society and will be able to compare and contrast the differences between them
 

History  4: Historical enquiry.

Using printed sources, artefacts, pictures and photographs and by visiting the historical Manor Lodge site pupils will be able to investigate the everyday lives of the Tudors

Session Outline

The session will be based on the following activities:

  • Exploration  of  Manor Lodge site to gather clues which will give an insight into the daily lives of the rich and poor in  Tudor times
  • Inventories: using inventories pupils will categorise Tudor clothing and everyday objects into rich or poor. Pupils will also have the opportunity to create an inventory of their  bedroom using ink and quills
  • Tudor money: Pupils will learn about money and wealth in Tudor times through interactive activities and making a leather Tudor purse and coins to take back to the classroom.
  • Follow up work for this session is provided

The lesson plan used for this session is available on request
NB Activities are subject to change.