Tudor Lives & Letters

During one of the most turbulent periods of the reign of Elizabeth I Sheffield’s Castle and Manor Lodge came into the focus of national attention through the enforced custodianship of the Scottish Queen by the Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, Bess of Hardwick.

What can their portraits tell us about the lives and personalities of these remarkable characters? Discover the hidden meanings behind these pictures and their symbolism.

Through costume, drama and re-enactment discover the story of their tempestuous relationships as it unfolds in their actual letters between each other and their advisors.

Discover the intrigues, plots, underhand dealings and treachery revealed in this unique and remarkable collection of correspondence.

Curriculum Links

This session is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils and supports the History programme of study.

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

Children look at the two main beliefs in Tudor times and learn about the historical event of Mary’s execution.

History 10 :
Britain and the wider world in Tudor times.
 
Children learn about the role of Queen Elizabeth I and her effect on the lives of everyday Tudors as well as on the life of Mary Queen of Scots and the Tudor Lords of Sheffield.

Session Outline

The session begins with a tour of the Manor Lodge site so that pupils can see exactly where Mary was imprisoned and stand in the Turret House which she would have known.

The session will be based on the following activities:

  • Pupils are split into groups to represent either Catholic Scotland or Protestant England
  • Pupils receive letters which are used as evidence to put a case either for or against Mary Queen of Scots
  • The evidence is presented to the ‘court’ before the class decides Mary’s fate
  • We discuss cases like this today and how modern courts work
  • Children write and illustrate a newspaper report account of Mary’s execution
  • Follow-up work and resource pack for this session is provided

Costs

This session costs £3.00 per child (up to 36 children at a time) including VAT  and last for half a day - for example 9.30-12.00 or 12.30-3.00.  imes can be changed to meet the needs of the school

To Book

For further information or to book this session please contact :
Anna Jones, Green Estate Ltd,  Manor Oaks Farmhouse, 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UJ
T: 0114 276 2828     F:0114 267 7636           E-mail: a.jones@greenestate.org