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A class of children walk through Kirkstall Abbey

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. Use the abbey buildings, artefacts, pictures and documentary evidence to appreciate why people chose to become monks and the rules that governed their daily lives. Explore why people became disaffected with the church using examples from Kirkstall and ask if the complaints were fair.

Suitable for: KS3, KS4

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Kirkstall Abbey; hideous history or local legend?

Virtual only. This workshop engages pupils with history and encourages thinking skills by exploring some of the more horrid aspects of life in medieval and Tudor Leeds

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If stones could speak!

Fun practical activities including puppets, art rubbings and dressing up help pupils to understand the different materials used in old buildings.

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.