The 1620s House and Garden Leicestershire

The 1620s House and Garden offers immersive educational experiences that transport students back to early 17th century England. Through interactive tours, costumed interpreters, and hands-on workshops, students explore daily life in the Stuart period, learn about herbs and gardens, and understand the significant historical changes of the time.

Sessions can be tailored to support a wide range of curriculum topics, including history, science (plants and habitats), and literacy (storytelling and historical interpretation).
Details of our packages can be found on the following website:
https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/learning/packages/?venue=house

The 1620s House and Garden Leicestershire
Museums East Midlands
Historic heritage East Midlands

Our authentic, fully restored 17th century house and period gardens offer a unique, atmospheric setting for learning. Students not only hear about the past but experience it first hand through touch, smell, and sight. Small group sizes ensure personal attention, and our specialist team brings history vividly to life through role-play, storytelling, and demonstrations.

Details of our packages can be found on the following website:

https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/learning/packages/?venue=house

The workshops we currently offer are as follows:

Step inside the Manor

Perfect for KS1 children learning about homes from the past. The children will meet Mistress Mary Carter, the housekeeper of the Manor House at Donington le Heath. She will invite them to explore the home of Lord and Lady Digby who owned it in 1620 to see how it is similar or different to the way they live today. Mistress Carter will get the children to help her prepare for a banquet for her employers by setting the table in the Great Chamber and helping with a few tasks in the kitchen in preparation for the meal. The children will get the opportunity to dress in clothes from the period, play with Tudor toys, play musical instruments, dance and make a lavender bag to take home with them.

The Gunpowder Plot

The children will meet Lady Mary Digby, one of the past owners of the 1620s House, who will tell them about her husband’s role in the Gunpowder Plot. Through drama and role play, the children will learn about the plot was and why it came about. They will also explore discrimination in the 1600s and why it motivated the plotters to do what they did. The children will also have an opportunity to make a peg doll of Guy Fawkes to take back to the classroom with them.

Plants, Plagues and Potions

The 1500s and 1600s were a time of exploration and discovery, as people connected with cultures around the world, learning about new plants, people, and materials. These discoveries sparked a Scientific Revolution. People began experimenting to find out more about the world around them and started to classify plants and animals as well as introducing the Scientific Method which is still used today. It was a period of transition, when people were still holding on to old superstitions but thinking in new ways.

In this session students will learn how plants were used during the Great Plague and have the opportunity to create their own ‘medicines’ using plants from the garden. They will explore the house looking for witch marks and will take part in their very own witch trial, based on an actual witch trial that took place in Leicestershire. 

We are currently developing a Great Fire of London Workshop so please get in touch if you are interested in this.

School trips to the 1620s House and Garden typically include:

• Guided tours of the historic 17th-century house le by costumed interpreters.
• Hands-on activities 
• Storytelling sessions covering key historical events and figures of the early 16000s. Activities can be tailored to match Key Stage 1-3 curriculum area in History, Science (plants and habitats), Literacy (storytelling and interpretation), and PSHE (daily life, community, an society).

We accommodate group sizes of up to 34 students. For larger groups, activities can possibly be rotated to ensure all children receive a high-quality, hands-on experience. Specific group size recommendations will be provided based on chosen activities and available staffing.

– Pre-visit packs including background information, suggested activities, and curriculums links.

– Post-visit resources to extend classroom learning.

– Printable worksheets and activity ideas connected to the workshops and house tour. These resources are available via e-mail once booking is confirmed.

Photography is permitted for personal and educational use during school visits. However, filming and audio recording are restricted in certain areas of the house to protect the fabric of the building and the visitor experience. Permissions for additional photography needs can be discussed with the Education Officer prior to the visit.

A general site risk assessment is provided to all schools on booking, covering common hazards and control measures. Educational workshop risk assessments are also provided specific to the activities booked. Teachers are encouraged to carry out their own risk assessments based on their group’s needs. A free pre-visit for teachers can be arranged to assist with risk planning.

Helen Keeling

helen.keeling@leics.gov.uk 

Tel: 0116 3056148

• Our educational, whole day packages cost £12 per student. Minimum number of people/price applies. Bespoke session prices will vary depending on timings and resources.
• Further Education and Youth Groups: Pricing available on request; depends on group size and activity customisation.

Students should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Much of the site includes outdoor gardens and uneven pathways, so waterproof coats and shoes are recommended in poor weather. No special costumes are required unless arranged as part of a themed workshop.

Visiting groups should bring their own qualified first aider and first aid kit. In case of emergency, trained staff will provide assistance and contact emergency services if needed.

• Shop: small gift shop selling souvenirs, books, and replica historical items.
• Café: On-site tea room offering drinks, snacks, and light meals.
• Dining areas: Designated areas indoors and outdoors for students to eat packed lunches.
• Toilets: Full toilet facilities available, including accessible toilets.
• Changing areas: Limited changing facilities available upon request.
• Study/education room: Available for workshops and a base during visits.
• Pocket money: Students may bring a small amount (suggested £5-£10) if they wish to visit the shop.

The 160s House and Garden is DDA compliant. Wheelchair access is available to most of the site, including the gardens and ground floor of the house. Accessible toilets are available. Staff are trained to support visitors with SEN requirements. Advance discussions is recommended to ensure all access needs can be met.

– Main Season (April to September) Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am – 4.30pm.

– Winter Season (November to March): Open on selected dates and for pre-booked educational visits by prior arrangement. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day

Yes, we have a range of positive feedback from schools who have visited. Some testimonials are available via the 1620s House and Garden website or can be provided upon request.

Educational visits can be customized to suit specific curriculum topics or particular learning outcomes. Outreach sessions are also available if your school cannot visit in person. Coach parking is available on-site. A free pre-visit for teachers is strongly recommended to help plan a smooth and effective trip.

https://1620shouse.org.uk/

https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/learning/packages/?venue=house