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Kirkstall Abbey at sunset

Virtual Workshop: hideous history or local legend?

Why did Tudor doctors shave chickens’ bottoms? What did monks do with their blood after letting? Why were beetles so important in making books?

This workshop engages pupils with history and encourages thinking skills by exploring some of the more horrid aspects of life in medieval and Tudor Kirkstall including medicine, hygiene and making books. We will explore what it meant to be a monk, investigate a range of artefacts, and debunk some common myths. We will also look at monks clothing, special sign language, food and drink.

This workshop includes a short pre-recorded tour of the abbey and can be differentiated to include the Dissolution of the Monasteries, primary and secondary sources, or local study.

Duration: 1 hour  |  Suitable for: Key Stage 2 and/or SEND  |  Capacity: 1 class per session

Ahead of the workshop we will:

  • Organise a test video call with the teacher
  • Discuss SEND/access needs if required
  • Suggest hands-on elements that may be useful to prepare beforehand. These are designed to be simple and readily available and add participation and multi-sensory aspects to the workshop.
  • Agree on the workshop focus which can be adapted to different schemes of work such as a local history study or the Tudors
  • Share health & safety and safeguarding plans
    During the virtual classroom workshop we will:

Please fill out the form below to make an enquiry.

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Why is Kirkstall Abbey important?

This workshop will look at people like Henry de Lacy and Henry VIII in a talking timeline, explore the ruins and lives of the monks that lived here.

Health and Hygiene

Why were people in medieval times so preoccupied with death? What did they eat? How often did they wash? Explore these questions and more

Hideous History: Monks and Tudors

Why did Tudor doctors shave chickens’ bottoms? What did monks do with wee? Why were beetles so important in making books?

Maths at the Monastery

Experience practical maths in action! Pupils will compare and contrast modern and medieval methods and decide which is best.

What was it like to be a Monk at Kirkstall Abbey?

Take part in this workshop covering 850 years, with pupils taking on the roles of important people in Kirkstall’s history.

Power and Politics

Develop pupil’s interpretation and enquiry skills by exploring medieval life in the abbey, change over time and the power of the Church.