From Stone to Iron School Workshop

From Stone to Iron school workshop is one of 25 historical workshops by Black Knight Historical, established in 2003. The historical workshops are suitable for Early Years, Key Stage 1 ,2 and 3. learning in the Classroom.

Our owner, Ian – with 25 years experience, and presenter Molly – a trained historical costumier. We wear real, historically correct, clothes and bring a vast number of well researched, historical objects, artefacts and props to make your history day an immersive experience for students of all ages.

Did you know we were employed to rebuild the Bronze Age roundhouse at Flag Fen? Or were featured in Time Team ‘Bronze Age Mummies? Just part of the Black Knight service and expertise.

A typical Stone – Iron experience day:

Start with meeting Ugg the painted Mesolithic man- who cannot speak English! We start by exploring sign language and mime- to communicate ideas, to explain that we have no idea of the language spoken [in the Mesolithic era]. No books, no writing etc. Then once children are hooked on the topic, divide them into 2 or 3 tribes depending on number of classes to be seen during the day- Dire Wolves, Cave Bears and Sabre-toothed Tigers. [Optional facepainting with modern face paints for all].

We look at flint and antler and bone- the making of the first tools, and objects passed around for study.
Role Play a hunt for a wild animal. [using our life sized rubber wild boar]. How and why we hunted before Farming. Weapons including flint spear and bow/flint-tipped arrow. Laying a trail, tracking, pit traps and fishing with trident and harpoon. Understanding where the Ice Age fits into the dateline. Hunter – Gatherers.
Skinning, cutting the meat. Making fire, Cooking. Early pottery. Optional pot making with clay and / or hand painting.
Examination of clothes.
Ancestor & spirit worship, Burial practices. [Cairn, Pyre, Excarnation].

Introduction of metals and the Copper Age/Beaker people. Looking at metal ores and the first usable metal from copper ore.
The making of Bronze- how and what it is made from. [Copper and Tin]. The coming of Excalibur- the legendary sword of Kings.
LIfe in a Roundhouse, Earliest farming [arable and livestock].
The coming of Iron.

We can also offer experience activity days / weeks, with students building a roundhouse on school premises.

We hope you will take a look at our website, photo gallery and testimonials, and if you have any questions, please do call us.