Core Skills Analysis
History
- Gained an understanding of Victorian-era architecture and design by observing the stately home features.
- Learned about social hierarchy and lifestyle differences through exploration of the rooms and gardens typical of upper-class families in the Victorian period.
- Recognized the importance of preserving historical sites and the cultural heritage they represent.
- Experienced firsthand how technology and daily life differed during the Victorian age compared to today.
Art & Design
- Developed an appreciation for Victorian decorative arts, including woodwork, furnishings, and garden layouts.
- Noticed the intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic choices influencing the design of stately homes.
- Explored the use of space and symmetry prevalent in Victorian era garden design and interior decoration.
Geography
- Identified Cornwall's regional location and cultural significance within the UK through the context of Lanhydrock.
- Understood how geography influenced the placement and design of stately homes, including use of natural surroundings for gardens and views.
Tips
To deepen the learning from your visit to Lanhydrock, try researching the daily lives of servants compared to the family members in the Victorian era, fostering empathy and social history understanding. Create a mini project comparing Victorian homes to modern homes in your area, incorporating drawings or photography to highlight changes over time. Extend art skills by replicating Victorian patterns seen in the house's decorations using drawing or digital design tools. Finally, combine history and geography by mapping other stately homes in Cornwall and discussing their role in regional heritage.
Book Recommendations
- Katie's Victorian House by Lucy Cochran: A detailed look inside a Victorian home told from the perspective of a young girl, perfect for understanding daily life in that era.
- The Victorian House: Everyday Life in Dickens' London by Lynne Withey: Explores how people lived during Victorian times, ideal for connecting historical facts with personal stories.
- My Secret Victorian Home by Annabelle Lynch: A fictional story that invites readers into the life of a Victorian child exploring a grand home similar to Lanhydrock.
Learning Standards
- History KS2: Pupils should learn about significant historical events, people and places in their own locality (NC History 2014, Year 4)
- Art & Design KS2: Improve mastery of art and design techniques including drawing and pattern-making (NC Art 2014)
- Geography KS2: Locational knowledge – understanding regions of the UK and their characteristics relevant to history (NC Geography 2014)
Try This Next
- Worksheet to label parts of a Victorian stately home and describe their uses.
- Drawing task: sketch a Victorian garden design inspired by Lanhydrock's grounds.