A Tudor Kitchen and Banquet KS1

In this hands-on session, pupils will discover the people, tools and traditions behind preparing meals in a Tudor kitchen. Led by a costumed educator, they'll find out about the servants who worked behind the scenes and the important jobs they carried out to keep the household running.

Pupils then move to a period room set out as a Tudor banquet, where replica foods help bring history to life. Taking on the role of guests at one of William Cecil's feasts, they'll compare the diets of rich and poor people, discover what Queen Elizabeth and her courtiers might have eaten and explore how food reflected everyday life in Tudor England.

What pupils do

• Visit the Tudor Kitchen in Burghley House and discover the roles of the servants who worked there. Explore original features including the spit, skulls, jelly moulds and butter churn.
• Discover the foods eaten by rich and poor people in Tudor England, including swan, jellied eels and pig's ears.
• Take part in a Tudor banquet, taking on the role of guests at William Cecil's feast. 

What to expect

• Takes place in the Old Kitchen and a classroom-style learning space set out as a Tudor banquet.
• Led by a costumed educator.
• Delivered in groups of up to 30 pupils.
• The session lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• A mixture of seated and interactive activities.
• Original and replica Tudor objects are used, including food items and items associated with preparing, serving and eating food.
• Pupils are encouraged to ask and answer questions throughout.
• Discussion-led session.
• Adaptable to suit pupils' knowledge and engagement.
• The session is delivered at an age-appropriate level for Key Stage 1 pupils.

SEND & accessibility

• The session takes place in level-access learning spaces.
• Pupils explore the Old Kitchen alongside other visitors, making this a calmer and quieter learning environment.
• The Old Kitchen contains many historic objects, and accompanying adults may be asked to support pupils throughout the visit.
• Easy access to outdoor space is available should a pupil need time away from the activity with an appropriate adult.