History
National Curriculum
The Centre is surrounded by sites of historic importance. The Long Barrow at nearby Coldrum is evidence of the early settlers who began to clear areas of the Weald in order to farm the land. The story of the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket unfolds as you walk one of the few remaining sections of the Pilgrims Way, made famous in Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’.
Roman Villa
The remains of a large Roman farmhouse with fine examples of mosaic floors and bathhouse is located at Lullingstone along the River Darent. A visit to the villa can be arranged free of charge.
Victorian Rochester
A visit to the Dickens Centre combined with a tour of the Watts Poor Travellers House gives pupils an insight in to the life and works of Charles Dickens, one of England’s great writers. The Guildhall Museum has an extensive range of artefacts from the Victorian era, plus many ‘hands on’ activities for pupils to enjoy. Groups can survey the High Street to compare land use in Victorian times with the present day. A coach will need to be booked and an entrance fee to the Dickens Centre and Rochester Cathedral is applicable. Rochester Castle is free but will need to be booked in advance.
A Day in the Life of an Evacuee. Whole or half day session
Within days of war being declared in September 1939, the evacuation from major towns and cities was underway. Thousands of children arrived in rural areas to be billeted with families they had never met before. Pupils will experience being billeted, take part in a wartime school lesson, eat a rationed meal and take cover in a Morrison shelter.