Eagles and Ravens
Settlers and invaders for primary schools - Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
During the first millenium AD, Britain saw a huge influx of
new people. The Romans invaded in AD 43 with their Eagle standards. In
Roman mythology, the eagle gathered up the thunderbolts cast by
Jupiter. Four hundred years later, Germanic people raided our shores,
settled here and carved out Kingdoms for themselves. Woden, their God
of war, was accompanied by two ravens. The raven was also important to
the Viking invaders as Odin, their chief God, was equivalent to Woden.
Text books, video clips and worksheets are all very well but
there is nothing like having a real Roman, Anglo-Saxon or Viking in
your classroom. Give your class the opportunity to handle weapons and
armour or try their hand at tablet weaving. Listen to stories from
settlers and invaders from AD 43 to AD 1066.
I am an experienced reenactor with a detailed knowledge of
important events and everyday life from the arrival of the Romans to
the end of Anglo-Saxon England. As a teacher for over 16 years, I have
plenty of experience of working with children and have an up to date
enhanced CRB check.
Everyday Life
Your pupils can see how ordinary people lived in
the past. I can demonstrate how wool was processed to make cloth on the
warp weighted loom and the class can try their hand at spinning wool
and tablet weaving. Learn what people ate in the past and how they made
their eating utensils. See how a body was prepared for burial and
discover which objects would survive burial to be found by
archaeologists. Some of your class can try on clothing from your chosen
historical period.
Troubled Times
The Romans have invaded the South of Britain, smashed the
druids' most holy site at Mona, then had to deal with a revolt by the
Iceni. In a bid to save her realm from invasion, Queen Cartimandua has
handed Caractacus over to the Romans, sparking a rebellion. Should
Brennus side with the Queen or should he fight against the Romans with
Venutius. Let your class decide!
King Oswiu has reunited the Kingdom of Mercia and defeated an alliance
led by King Penda of Mercia. However, his Kingdom and his marriage are
divided by religion. Should he continue with the ancient British method
of calculating Easter or should he submit to the authority of the Pope.
Let your class make a decision that will affect the whole future of
Europe!
Egil the Viking warlord is beginning to regret having so many
daughters. Each one needs a suitable dowry if he is to find them a
suitable husband and after building his new longship he is short of
cash. Churches and monesteries used to have plenty of gold and silver
but the best ones have already been plundered. He could try rounding up
some Anglo-Saxons to sell as slaves or perhaps get involved in the
lucrative silk trade. Help him to find a way to marry off his daughters!
Weapons and Warfare
This is usually the most popular part of the show. A
demonstration of weapons, armour and battle tactics. Students can
handle the weapons (under supervision) and even try on the armour.
Space permitting, the whole class can take part in a military
drill.
Practical Details
I would require a room, cleared of desks, in which to set up
between school opening and the start of the show. I would normally set
up along the longest, unbroken wall.
Temporary vehicle access should be as close as possible to the room for
setting up and packing down. If this is not possible, then some
assistance with moving equipment would help me to set up quickly. The
room should be lockable or closely supervised by an adult when I am
elsewhere.