A Medieval Adventure at Castle Acre Priory

On 19th September, our Division VIII pupils enjoyed an immersive day trip to Castle Acre Priory and Castle to delve into the fascinating world of Medieval society as part of their history studies.

After a short journey by school minibus with Mrs. Haslam, the children were excited to uncover evidence of the medieval societal structure organised around the principles of “Those who work, those who fight, and those who pray.”

The ruins of the priory and the castle, one of England’s largest and best-preserved monastic sites, provided a tangible connection to the past for the children, sparking numerous questions about the daily lives of nobles, monks, and peasants. They also gained a newfound appreciation for the challenges these historical figures faced, from the difficulties of attacking a fortified castle to the simple way of living within the priory walls. However, one of the most surprising experiences of the trip was walking through the drains of Medieval England’s best-preserved latrine!

Division VIII’s hands-on experience at Castle Acre Priory brought history to life in a way that textbooks cannot, enriching their understanding of the past and highlighting the importance of experiential learning beyond the classroom. Check out the wonderful sketches of the by Oliver (left) and Ella (right) inspired by our visit.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures as we explore and learn from the world around us!