History LIVE! at St Swithun’s School, Winchester
Wednesday 5th July 2017
10.30am – 3.45pm
What’s on and what can you see and do?
Living History
From sword school to treating Tommy, all our living historians are putting on a stunning array of demonstrations and displays. They are contagiously passionate about the past and real experts in their fields.
Medieval sword school and archery school will be running 20 minute sessions throughout the day and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Book online: historylive.simplybook.it
Victorian Fairground
Travelling funfairs and circuses were a staple of the Victorian era. Funfairs had roundabouts (worked by steam engines), slides and swings, coconut shies, shooting galleries and sideshows with strongmen, fire-eaters, jugglers and fortune-tellers. Circuses put on shows in big tents, and often paraded into the town on arrival with the clowns, elephants, horses and camels. Children laughed at Punch and Judy, a one-man travelling puppet show.
Visit our recreation of a Victorian fairground, ride the ferris wheel, watch the Punch and Judy show and try your luck on the coconut shie.
The History Tellers
The History Tellers (Stephen ‘Abs’ Wisdom and Alex Burnham) weave a tale to enthral and entertain. They perform amazing short plays about some of the most interesting people and events in history.
See programme of events for times.
Do Not Adjust Your Stage
Do Not Adjust Your Stage are an award-winning improvised comedy group based in London. They create spontaneous comedy theatre. For History LIVE! they will be creating two improvised comedy performances inspired by historical artefacts.
See programme of events for times.
Raphael Historic Falconry
Raphael Historic Falconry are professional historic falconers. You can visit them throughout the day and watch their two demonstrations about falconry during the Victorian era, following its revival in the 1770s.
See programme of events for times of demonstrations.
Heritage Attractions and Societies
Visit Museum Row and the Main Arena to see what attractions of the South and South West have to show you about the past: make a corn-dolly, imagine what it would have been like in Cook’s expedition to the South Pole and so much more.
Speakers
Dr Tracy Borman
Tracy is joint Chief Curator for Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace,the Banqueting House, Whitehall and Hillsborough Castle. She is also the author of a number of highly acclaimed books, including Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant; Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England;Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. More recently, Tracy’s TV series The Private Lives of Tudors explores the private lives, loves and scandals of the Tudors, the most celebrated royal dynasty in history.
Bruce Hansen
Sugar, spice and other edible causes of war and misery
A quick tour through the history of major food wars, fuelled by the tastes and cravings of the European elite. Some common foodstuffs that you eat probably once caused misery and suffering for countless persons and may even have sparked a conflict or two! We will explore some surprising causes of wars that have shaped development of the European nations throughout the past 1000 years and you may learn a new fact or two about bananas.
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and is a qualified Blue Badge Guide. Following twelve years at Chelsea’s National Army Museum, he developed and led English Heritage’s Tours Through Time programme. His TV and radio appearances have ranged from Sky News to The Generation Game, and he has made a number of appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Ramblings series. He is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine and is the author of a number of books, including Clash of Arms: Twelve English Battles and Enemies at the Gate: English Castles Under Siege from the 12th Century to the Civil War. Julian will be talking about Alice Lisle, the last woman beheaded in England (Winchester to be precise) and the Battle of Sedgemoor, the final battle of the Monmouth Rebellion.
Becky Peacock
Becky, from Mid Hants Railway Ltd “Watercress Line”, will be giving an illustrated talk on the roles of women on the railways from 1800 to the end of WWII.
Sandy Leong
Sandy is an historian, passionate about bringing to life the sort of history that doesn't normally get into mainstream history books. She is a professional speaker and published author. Sandy will be talking on Black Cats, New Moons & Ladders - The Origins of Superstitions. A belief in luck and fate are the key components of superstitions and that they can be controlled by various actions of human beings. Do you throw salt over your shoulder if you spill it? Know that it's good luck if you see two magpies together; wonder if things didn't go as planned because it was Friday 13th and touch wood for good luck? But where did these beliefs originate?
Julie Summers
Julie is an author, broadcaster and historian who has written eleven works of non-fiction, including most notably Jambusters, which inspired the ITV drama series Home Fires. Since 2000, Julie’s work has focused mostly on the Second World War and its impact on people’s lives at home. Stranger in the House looked at how women coped when the men came home from the war and Jambusters celebrates the extraordinary work of the Women’s Institute. Julie will be talking about her novel When the Children Came Home that examines the impact of evacuation on family life in the war’s aftermath.
History Heroes
What makes a CHILD History Hero?
What do Tutankhamun, Mozart, Anne Frank, Joan of Arc, Stevie Wonder, Malala Yousafzai, Pocahontas and Picasso all have in common? Some have been great leaders, some have been extremely brave. Some have been exceptionally talented…and all have made and changed history before they were 18 years old. Discover more about 40 characters, who have been a part of amazing historical events while they were children and help us decide, who deserves to be a CHILD History Hero.
With Alex Ehrmann, the creator of History Heroes.
These workshops are open to KS2 only and must be booked in advance. Book online: historylive.simplybook.it
History LIVE! is a cross-curricular celebration of all things historical; read on to discover how each of St Swithun’s different subject areas will be entertaining you:
Main Arena
Art all day
Come to the art department stand, where you can time-travel to the past. Ever imagined yourself as Elizabeth I? Well, this could be your opportunity to look like her and then take a selfie. If you don’t have a camera or phone with you, a member of staff will be available at certain times to photograph you and email it on to you.
Chemistry all day
We will be simulating a medieval still-room. The still-room was common in many homes and was an essentially female domain, where the lady of the house would prepare and make a variety of household products. She would train her daughters and pass on valuable recipes and skills. Come and make soap, trial some medieval moisturisers, taste some chamomile tea and practise writing with quill pens using traditionally made ink.
It will be a delight for the senses in our fragrant and fascinating tent!
English: Antiques ‘Swith’show12.30-15.30
We are lucky to have antiques experts James Hammond and Janice Smith from Andrew Smith Auctions, Winchester, here to give history and valuations of your treasures! Their specialist areas of expertise range from Chinese Ceramics and Japanese/Asian Art, English and Continental Ceramics, Medals, Books and Collectables but they are happy to advise on other items as well.
Our aim for the day is to create a timeline of objects which we will photograph and map against historical and literary events. It should be a great opportunity to celebrate the beautiful and interesting objects around us and how they link us to the past.
Please have a look around at home and see what you might be able to bring along and find out more about.
PE: Lindyhop workshop see programme of events for times
Learn this energetic dance, made popular by visiting American G.I.s in the 1940s.
Book online: historylive.simplybook.it
Back Field
Technology see programme of events for times
Come along to see L4 (year 7) compete in the Trebuchet challenge. They’ve made their trebuchets, but will they manage to storm the castle? Which form will win?
There will be the chance for everyone to have a go after each form has competed.
Memorial (High House) Garden
Classics see programme of events for times
In the Classics tent we will be helping people make their own keepsake from History LIVE!– a Classical-Celtic ring or bracelet (or even a torque if you are feeling bold!). This is a chance to use your hands and be creative: and to think about how, as an ordinary person, if you wanted a knickknack, a frippery, a bijou or a sparkler – you had to roll your own!
As Ovid said “conspicuamgemmisvultishaberemanum” – so come and make one!
(Please note, this tent is for those who have pre-booked only. Book online: historylive.simplybook.it)
Harvey Hall Foyer and Main School Foyer
Drama all day
Come and listen to monologues from a range of historical characters – from a Victorian maid to Jack the Ripper! The monologues were written by year 8 students. Simply find one of the ‘booths’ and use the screen to select a monologue – up to four people can listen at a time!
Main School Building
BiologyBiology Lab 2 (ground floor) 10.30-12.30
The Biology department will take you on a journey through the ages. Exciting activities include immersive viewing of an historical scientific film in a camper van, making your own fossil imprints and terrariums to take home; and an exclusive opportunity to watch a workshop run by a real live research scientist.
RPE Library (1st floor) 12.00-14.00
Early Christian carvings depict Jesus as a beardless Roman youth. Yet the image with which we are familiar today is very different. Our exhibition explores the dominant imagery associated with Jesus throughout history. The exhibition is accompanied by music which has the historical figure of Christ as its theme.
ITE6 (1st floor) 13.30-15.30
Come and witness a display of genuine artefacts and photographs to represent the history and development of computer technology and the telephone. This will be an opportunity for hands-on exploration and to show off all that you have learned in a quiz.
Food Technology E4 (1st floor) 13.30-15.00
The food department welcomes you to their Victorian tea room. Members of U4 (year 8) will be serving you a choice of Victoria sponge, homemade scones, jam and cream and traditional Victorian biscuits.If you would like to sit and relax with friends and enjoy sampling some treats, please join us. There is no charge at all.
Mathematics Rms19 & 20 (first floor) all day
We are excited to host a vast array of mathematical wonders at History LIVE!: the maths that underpins how trebuchets work; a mathematical balloon debate - should Newton, Euler, Gauss, Pascal andAgnesi stay or should they go?; learn how to use an abacus….and so much more.
PhysicsPhysics Lab 2 (top floor) all day
The Camera Obscura is a natural phenomenon, and has a long history. In its simplest form it is a small hole through which light passes from an object outside into a darkroom. The image appears upside down on the wall opposite the hole.The earliest mention of this type of device was by the Chinese philosopher Mo-Ti in 5th century BC. The Islamic scientist Alhazen (c.965 - 1039) gave a full account of the principle including experiments with five lanterns outside a room with a small hole.
Come and experiment with our very own Camera Obscura to witness a scientific marvel.
German Microlab (top floor) 10.30-12.30
Come along and listen to podcasts from the amazing Radio 4 series “Germany: Memories of a Nation” written and presented by Neil McGregor, former director of the British Museum. Here you can explore 600 years of German history through a range of objects, art, banknotes and sausages!
Spanish top of main stairs (top floor) 10.30-12.30
Brave the high seas as you race one of Columbus’ fleet of ships – Santa María, Pinta or Niña – to ‘discover’ America and change the world. Test your knowledge of the admiral of the seven seas with our quiz and fun facts, and maybe win riches of your own.
FrenchRm 6 (top floor) 10.30-12.30
Come and laugh by watching “La Grande Vadrouille” with famous French actors, Louis de Funès and Bourvil, and English actor, Terry-Thomas. Two ordinary Frenchmen help the crew of anRAF bomber shot down over Paris and make their way through German-occupied France to escape arrest.
A witty and burlesque film about French resistance.
List of Contributors
Air Transport Auxilliary Association
Anglia Tours
Army Air Corps
Band of the Coldstream Guards
Basingstoke Archaeological and Historical Society
Basingstoke Heritage Society
Battlefields Trust
Carnival Ice Cream Supplies
Castle Drogo, National Trust
Do Not Adjust Your Stage
Experience the Iron Age
Family History
Gilbert White’s House
Happening History
HistoriaNormaniis
Jane Austen’s House Museum
LegioSecunda Augusta
Little Woodham Living History Village
Mary Rose Museum
Michael Maidment
Now Strike Archery
Old Tyme Funfairs
Pastpresent
Professor Peter Dann
RAF
Raphael Historic Falconry
Royal Armouries Fort Nelson
Royal Artillery
Salisbury Cathedral
Stonehenge, English Heritage
Suffolk Free Company
The Oldhams
The Sealed Knot
The Vikings
Traditional Fairground Company
Trench Warfare – An Insight
Tudor People
Watercress Line
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
Wessex Archaeology
Winchester City Museum
Winchester College Treasury Museum
Winchester Military Museums
Winchester Vintage Catering
Visit Winchester