This half term we are Castle Map Collectors, working for English Heritage. We protect maps for castles across the country. Maps hold many stories and many secrets… 

The lady who was following us was Joanne Smith. She had found an old map in her loft while moving house. She found some objects inside the box relating to Kenilworth Castle. She wondered whether we had the skills to authenticate the map for her. English Heritage were very keen to explore this further. 

We used drama to explore the history of 1266. The longest ever siege happened at Kenilworth Castle. It lasted 6 months! There used a portrait of King Henry III finding out that the barons from Kenilworth did not want to follow his rules. The king did not want them to gain more power than him. In our story, we saw the moment a map was placed on the table. Joanne's ancestor was a castle map designer for the king! He planned out the exit and entrances points, and where the trebuchets went, to stop food and supplies entering the grounds of Kenilworth Castle. 

After authenticating the map to Joanne, she agreed that we could display it within the grounds of Kenilworth Castle. We had the grand opening to the public today. We revealed the secrets behind the uncovered map linked to Kenilworth castle.

We provided lunch and ensured the portions and options were in line with the Eatwell guidelines; linking to our science curriculum. We made people aware of the importance of hand washing. 

We encouraged the visitors to take part in a quiz all about the jobs the peasants did or what Kenilworth Castle looked like. This was part of our computing curriculum. While they were there we encouraged the visitors to take a free leaflet about the Battle of Hastings too.