Tudor and Mediaeval Days for Schools at Cressing Temple

The Mediaeval Barns at Cressing Temple are the ideal environment for inspirational educational visits. The Barns date back to the early 13th century, a time when the site was owned by the mysterious Knights Templar and when you enter our Tudor Walled Garden you step back in time. The plants that grow here are those that would have been available in the Tudor period.

Cressing Temple provides an exciting historical activity day in which a wide range of activities is provided for all abilities. These are tailored to the demands of the National Curriculum Key Stage 2 and 3. We are open to schools at most times and can accommodate 2-3 schools per day. All groups should book in advance.

Our Tudor Day Experience will include some or all of the following - Tudor Kitchen, Tudor Schoolroom, Tudor Garden, The Exhibition in the Wheat Barn with life size tableaux and audio experience together with Tudor Games.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase pocket-money priced souvenirs of your visit to Cressing Temple. We urge all Tudor Experience visitors (including teachers) to wear Tudor costume and we include instructions to make appropriate costumes cheaply. However, we do not want you to freeze. If it is likely to be cold, please remind children to bring a coat or cloak with them.

Our Mediaeval Realms Experience includes records, documents artefacts, archaeology and hands-on activities. Cressing Temple is also ideal for activity weeks.

Please arrive at 9.45am to allow time for an introduction to the site and for the first session to begin at 10.00am. Lunch will take place in the Barn or outside in the grounds if the weather is fine. The day will finish at 2pm although you are very welcome to stay on site if you wish. Additional helpers are essential as the ratio is one adult to every 10 children (1:15) for the older children.

Tudor Costume Ideas
In order to make your day as enjoyable as possible the following ideas for costumes may be useful:

For the boys a plain white long sleeved shirt, a sleeveless waistcoat or a body warmer, cut down trousers at the knee or tucked into long socks.

For the girls, long full skirt, white shirt, bodice or waistcoat laced up the front and a small coif (hat) in white or cream material.

If any mums would like to make a costume, Simplicity supply patterns for the dressmakers among you.

Booking Information
The cost per child is £7.00 with all accompanying adults free of charge. Payment can be made by cheque, cash or credit card on the day. Alternatively the amount can be invoiced or a Journal Transfer raised if you prefer. Cheques should be made payable to Essex County Council.

Booking and enquiries are dealt with by the Events Team and can be made by phone or in person. A booking form will be completed and a copy sent to the school for reference. Please ring 01376 584903.

Your coach can drop the children off just outside the Visitor Centre where our staff will be waiting to escort you to the Barns.

We offer a free preliminary visit for teachers which will provide the opportunity to exchange information about the site and the particular needs of your class.

Supervision
All schools groups must be supervised adequately at all time by teachers or accompanying adults. Although we try to ensure that all visitors enjoy the site safely, Cressing Temple staff are not responsible for the supervision of children visiting the site.

We will supply complementary tea and coffee at lunchtime for all adults.

FINALLY, we hope you enjoy your day with us. Feedback is always welcome so please contact us on 01376 584903 if you have any comments.