| This
compact site is a splendid educational resource that covers
several themes in the national curriculum. If a visit is to
encompass all three buildings, then ideally a whole morning
should be devoted to it. This allows for some drawing opportunities
as well. Classes will be provided with a guide for the duration
of the visit.
Potential
Themes
1.
Medieval Studies
King John's House is a 13th-century stone building with thick
flint walls. Geography features in the places from which the
stone came - Isle of Wight, Chilmark in Wiltshire and the Hampshire
Downs - and encourages discussion on the difficulties of transport
and construction at the time.
Later Tudor 'modernisation' offers different techniques with
useful sections of 'wattle' work exposed where the 'daub' has
fallen off. This building helps an appreciation of the way in
which real houses have altered over the centuries to accommodate
the aspirations of successive generations.
Information learned on the lower floor can be used upstairs
as the children act as 'house detectives', seeking old window
openings, blocked doorways and other medieval features.
2.
Tudor Studies
The timber-framed house is very evocative with casement windows,
wide floorboards, sloping walls and floors, sagging ceilings
and a steep Tudor staircase all helping to create a true atmosphere.
A couple of replacement timbers allow appreciation of modern-machine
cut timbers versus old hand-tooled ones. There is a table model
of a timber framework plus a display about the house carpenter's
skills. Its association with the additions made in King John's
House adds to an understanding of the Tudor period. We
have also started running Tudor lifestlye re-enactment days
where the children get to try every day activities, then dress
up and take part in a typical feast.
3.
Victorian Museum
The brick building has original sash windows and the shop windows
and main door are unaltered. The old shop fitments have been
reassembled upstairs in the museum and many contemporary shop
items are displayed in the glass cabinets. Another room has
been set up as the family room of the Moody family who lived
in the house until 1974. Other aspects of Victorian Romsey are
represented, giving a full flavour of a market town of the time.
There are practical activities, particularly in the old shop.
NEW FOR
2008 - VICTORIAN LIFESTYLE RE-ENACTMENT DAYS!!!
4.
Development of Building Techniques
The three buildings together take the student from the 13th
to the 19th century via three very distinct styles. They offer
tactile experience with a range of building materials as well
as visual appreciation of patterns, tessellation and the importance
of geometric shapes to construction. The buildings also encourage
an understanding of the way in which building materials dictate
or influence the style.
As an optional extra,
it is possible to arrange for a short tour of the town centre
to enlarge on any or all of the above themes.
The garden is also
a study in itself. Mention should be made on booking if any
specialist information is required about plants.
Booking
It is essential to book in advance (no pre-payment requested).
Please use the 'contact us' page
to arrange a visit or to ask for further details.
School visits are welcome to all three buildings all year round
(even when King John's House is closed to the public) as long
as they are pre-booked.
Admission
Charges
| Heritage
Centre building only |
 |
50p per child, up to 4 accompanying adults free |
| Heritage
Centre and town tour |
|
£1
per child, up to 4 accompanying adults free |
Pre-Visit
Teachers are welcome to visit the centre by arrangement at no
charge.
Teacher packs are available
|
