Tuesday 22nd May 2007. Twenty-nine year five pupils headed of in a coach, excited at the prospect of finding out what life might have been like in a medieval castle. Kenilworth castle, one of the largest ruins in the UK, has a long and interesting history and is linked with great figures in our history, in particular Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester. English Heritage had put on a special 'village experience' where the pupils could meet different trades-people from the past and learn about their way of life first-hand.

First we met the barber surgeon who told us all about medieval medicine and entertained the children with descriptions of operations such as removing a septic eye!

The Hospitaller Knight explained about the medieval religious beliefs and the role of monks in society.

The coinsmith explained about mediaval coinage and demonstrated how coins are made. We learned about the various mints that were set up and each child had an opportunity to stamp a coin for themselves.

The most hands-on experience was with the master tile maker who organised the children into an efficient tile manufacturing team. The pupils really enoyed getting their hands dirty and gained some insights into life as a child in medieval britain.