Wednesday 6 February 2008

Museum fun for children going back to Tudor times

Children can step back in time for a series of half term activities linked in with the Tudor Lives exhibition at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar.

Throughout the holiday, from Saturday, February 16 to Sunday, February 24, children can be Tudor detectives, dressing up in costumes, then explore the exhibition to solve clues and complete a quiz.

From Tuesday, February 19, you can design your own coat of arms, just like all the noble Tudor families, with shield shapes, paper and pictures in the exhibition's craft area. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Museum's Outreach Education Officer Liz Vine is opening her store cupboard for two drop-in sessions to make mini Tudor Knights and Ladies on Tuesday, February 19, from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm.

All materials will be provided for another two drop-in sessions on Thursday, February 21, from 10am-noon and 1pm-4pm, to make your own headdress or hat and a ruff, just like King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

The exhibition features a replica parlour and kitchen from the house of a Tudor nobleman called Henry Madison, who lived in the North East in the 16th century.

The kitchen area shows what life was like 'below stairs' in a grand town house. You can see where the food was prepared and find out what life was like in a Tudor kitchen, sitting by the range and imagining the meat roasting on the spit.

In contrast, the parlour area is very grand, with its rich panelling and decorations of suits of armour and weapons, even a treasure chest bursting with coins and pewterware, reflecting the life of a wealthy gentleman.

Visitors can also find out about early healthcare by matching 'cures' to a variety of diseases, try your hand at weaving a willow wall and compare the menus for a rich and poor person's dinner.

For more information, call the Museum on 01642 479500.

No comments: