Victorian Day

The year 3 kids (Brennan & Reegan's year group) have been studying the Victorian period this Fall.  They had to do a report on a famous Victorian, dressed up as Victorian children for a day and learned what it was like to go to school as a child in Victorian times.  To wrap up their studies they once again dressed up as Victorians and took a field trip to the town of Hove, near Brighton on the southern coast of England.

We first visited a small museum where they got to handle many items from Victorian times.  The kids had fun guessing how the items were used.  I should have gotten a better photo of this, but all the kids were intrigued by this wooden contraption.  

We were kept in suspense until the end.  It was used as a mouse trap.

After the museum we made our way to Preston Manor.  We walked in the door and stepped into Victorian times.  It was brilliant!!  The workers were in character and treated the kids as if they were staff coming for an interview and showed them the workings of the house.

Any time the children addressed the staff, they had to follow with their formal name.  Mr. Elphick, who truly was the butler (not the man below, obviously, he acted as him) for Preston Manor to the Thomas-Stanford family and Ms. Rose. 

 The butler was quite harsh and actually scared some of the children because he was so stern. I giggled a time or two because it was just that good!  At the end, they let it all down and had fun chatting with the kids about their experience.

We got to see the underneath workings of the home.  Reminded me of Downton Abbey!!

Shining Shoes

Wringing out the wash.

Beating the rugs.

Explaining how the different irons are used.

On to the kitchen.

Making gingerbread.

They each took a turn churning butter,

Writing out the evening menu.

This next photo the butler was asking how much baking soda to add to make a fizzy lemonade.  The boy said 2 teaspoons, but what happened below was the result of just one teaspoon.  Lemonade fizzing up all over, which was the plan.  It was so funny!  I love the expressions I captured!

The bells to call the servants.

My friend, Charmaine also chaperoned.  We had a great time together.  Her son, Jake is Brennan's best mate.  They're giving their best Victorian picture face.  Reegan couldn't quite keep from giggling.  Ha!

It was such an amazing day.  You might have noticed that Brennan wasn't in any of the photos.  That's because he was not feeling well.  Luckily, Jerry was able to stay home with him so I could still go on the trip.  I was so glad I got to experience a bit of English history and Victorian culture.  Best school trip I've been on, hands down!!