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History Trips & Events

Year 8 History Symposium

With the triple goals of establishing links with the charitable organisation St Peter
Hungate Medieval Art Centre, meeting and mixing with History teachers from Senior
schools and benefitting from the wisdom and experience of a variety of speakers -
the History Department arranged the second Town Close House Year 8 History
Symposium.

Set in the medieval splendour of the thirteenth century St Peter Hungate church the
children were treated to a broad range of subjects and opinions during both the
lectures and the question and answer sessions that followed each talk.

The programme followed thus:

Dale Copley, the curator of the centre spoke about the history of the St Peter
Hungate and its place in medieval Norwich.

Ian Pycroft, a medieval re-enactor and suitably attired in fifteenth century garb
played the role of the prominent Norfolk character John Paston of 'Paston Letters'
fame. He sought to draw out interesting social and political details of the period
through extracts from the family letters.

Carole Rawcliffe, Professor of Medieval History at the University of East Anglia
delivered an illuminating and gory presentation on disease and death in medieval
Norwich which both fascinated and horrified in equal measure.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North spoke about the importance of parliament and
politics and why, despite events such as the scandal over MP's expenses it is vital to
engage with politics and politicians as their decisions shape our future.

Juliet Barker, well known historian and author, delivered a thrilling talk on the drama
of what was the Hundred Years War with particular emphasis on the battle of
Agincourt and Joan of Arc.

The question and answer sessions that followed the 'lectures/talks' were both lively
and thought provoking. The speakers were not only impressed by the
demonstrable enthusiasm of the children but also by the levels of their factual
knowledge and their willingness to engage in historical debate - it was likened to
'under-graduate' level; indeed one pupil was told, after opining that the English
victory at the battle of Agincourt was caused as much by French military failings than
a glorious feat of English arms, that he 'would go far'! Equally so, it was refreshing to
see that the children felt able to debate, question and contest the importance and
impact of Joan of Arc with Dr Barker.

All in all, it was a fantastic occasion that impressed upon all present not simply
the wonder of the subject but also the importance and value of opinions and
historical debate.

R Kendrick
Head of History