What is a better way to learn about historical events than from someone who was actually there?.. Costumed interpretation is a powerful teaching aid: interactive, versatile, and easily adaptable to different ages and abilities, it can be a perfect introduction into a period or a follow-up to make sure that whatever has been learnt will be remembered. Since we aim to immerse our audience into the studied period as fully as possible, our educational sessions include not just lectures but a wide variety of activities from dancing and examination of artefacts to drawing and even mock battles!

We provide experienced costumed educators, both male and female, covering English history from before the Roman empire through to World War II. All our staff have years of previous experience in staging educational events for children, and we have all the necessary paperwork, including CRB checks, insurance and child protection policies as you would expect.

Our educational sessions fit into the school timetable, and the topics and level of detail can be modified according to your requirements. We also provide our services at heritage sites, so children can meet the person in an appropriate location. For senior students, we can provide presentations with all the benefits of modern technology, PowerPoint, slides and references.

Below are two examples of the work we typically do: the Roman day for junior school and the Tudor day for secondary school.

ROMAN DAY

Presented by Marcus Aurelius Vedax, a legionary from the XX legion based at Camulodnum, around the time of the Iceni rebellion.

- Presenter arrives with a pack containing miscellaneous Roman items of the period and the lesson begins. Children are taught a Roman salute "Ave Caesar". Presenter proceeds through his arms, armour and clothing, handing pieces around for examination. All names are written on a board in English and Latin. Questions and answers on this session. First break.

- Children are taught Roman numerals up to 1000, and are challenged to work out some interesting dates, such as 2009, 1066 etc. A wax tablet is handed round so that everybody gets a chance to write a number on it with a stylus. Next come Roman gods, goddesses and links to planets, days of the week, etc. Second break.

- Dressing-up time: teachers and students have made togas for two children (Emperor, Empress or senior officials). All other children have made swords and shields, representing either Romans or Celts. Offerings to the gods of the artefacts brought by Presenter (oil lamps, mirrors, combs, jewellery, strigil and olive oil for bathing, samian ware pottery, glass vials, mortarium for grinding corn, etc.). The artefacts are passed around and listed on the blackboard, with explanations about everyday Roman life.

- BATTLE! Children are taught the "sin dex sin" march and proceed into the playground. Photo time. Then Romans make a tortoise of interlocking shields as Celts attack. The end.

TUDOR DAY

Presented by Henry the Eighth, by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Lord of Ireland.

- A piece of Tudor music is played to announce the entry of the King. Once arrived and seated, he demands proper courtesy, teaching the children how to bow and curtsey in the correct fashion.

- Discussion of the context of early 16th century history and the meaning of the term Renaissance. Examination of Henry's costume, with explanations of materials, costs and fashion trends. Discussion of Henry's wives and related issues: divorce, relationships with the pope, Catholicism versus Protestantism, etc. Study of Catholic imagery, relics, crucifix, idols etc.

- Children are taught a simple Tudor dance. Discussion of everyday Tudor life, including food and drinks. Replica artefacts are handed around for examination. Questions and answers session. The end.