Medieval Tipples!

Ever wondered what people drank during the Middle Ages? I have found an interesting article that will tell you!

Get Your Poppy!

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal has begun! Get yours at any local supermarket now!

The Black Death Quiz

This weeks Year 7 H-Links homework is to play the Black Death Penalty Shootout game. Don't forget to write in your H-Links books what score you get! Enjoy!

Ride To The Wall-A Great Success!

The first ever Ride To The Wall remembrance event has been a huge success! The event was organised by the Nene Valley Harley Owners Group to remember those that have died on duty since the Second World War. Sources estimated that over 800 bikers would be taking part but the actual number was closer to 2500 bikers! The riders involved started to arrive at round 11.30am and soon filled up the designated space allocated to them, and so other places had to be found for them to park. The procession didn't slow down until about 50 minutes later when the last lot of bikers had to pull up on the road outside of the arboretum, because so many had come to take part. It was a glorious sight to see so many people attending the remembrance service, which comes exactly one month before Remembrance Day. Many of the bikers that took part have connections to war; many were once on active service or have children who are currently on duty, and quite a few were taking part for more emotional reasons to remember lost loved ones.

Hopefully, this event will be an annual commeration that will attract more and more visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum, as the memorial relies solely on donations to keep it going. The arboretum is a magnificent place to visit, for more information visit their website.

Get on Your Bike!

The Nene Valley Harley Owners Group are hosting the first ever 'Ride To The Wall' bike ride to The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. The event will take place on Saturday 11th October to remember all the troops that have died on duty since the Second World War. It has been estimated that over 800 bikers have signed up for the event, so it should be a grand sight! I have been to the arboretum many times, as it is just down the road from where I live, and it is a humbling place to visit-I definitely recommend it. I will be going down to the arboretum early as the biker parade is due to reach its destination at around 10am. Look out for pictures on Histatic!

Ancient History Animoto

The Guardian does Black History Month!

This month is Black History month and to celebrate this the Guardian is giving away 5 posters, that when put together will form a timeline of events of the Black Civil Rights movements in the USA and in Britain. I have seen previews of these posters and they do look like they will be very good! The History department at Swanwick Hall will be investing in a set to display!

I have a Dream!

For my Year 9's, who are currently looking at Black Civil Rights, and in particular those who question why we are studying it. I don't think I really need to explain! But all I will say is this: 'We're all EQUAL!'

Let me know what you think of the cartoon!

Purging etc! Medieval Medicine!

I have found a great article about medicine and treatment during the Middle Ages on one of my favourite history blogs: History Undressed! This will be really useful for Year 10 History students to read and make some notes on! My group will certainly be having a look at this for homework! Enjoy!

War Hero's Sketchy Past

A brave soldier's war time sketches of life on the front have been compiled into a book. Soldier Len Smith sketched many scenes during his time in France during the First World War, even putting his life at risk by sneaking into enemy territory to sketch various things for espionage missions! These amazing sketches, along with some of Len's diary extracts, can he found online thanks to Len's nephew who has compiled all of Len's material. Take a look!

U.S. History-South Park Style!

This is a great little clip showing a very brief version of U.S. history! Please bear in mind that this is not to be taken too seriously! Let me know what you think!

Read all about Harry!

We have known about this extra special blog for a while at Swanwick Hall and we think it is a really good treat, especially if you love the history of the First World War. This blog is documenting the diaries of a British soldier called Harry who fought during WW1. The diary entries are published on the same date that they were originally written 90 years ago-the latest entry is dated 1st October 1918, so not too long before Armistice. This blog is a great insight to the life of a soldier during WW1 and opens our eyes to some of the horrors that our brave soldiers experienced.

Have a look and let me know what you think!

Of Course Knowing about Black Civil Rights Matters!

I was recently asked by one of my Year 9 students about why we were studying the Black Civil Rights campaign that took place in the USA-after ranting and raving about how important the campaign was and still is to many millions of people for about 5 minutes, and while realising that the student probably wished she hadn't asked, I resolutely declared that 'it would be a very sad day when people stopped caring about things that have happened in our past and that have so much affect on people!'. And I will always maintain that it would be very sad indeed. I was happy to read about the powers that be in Washington who have recently had a iron statue of Civil Rights campaigner Frederick Douglass installed in Judiciary Square. I am very pleased to see the people of America championing legends, like Frederick Douglass who did so much to try to achieve equality for black people in the United States.

Is there any particular person from History that you would like to see commemorated in this way? Let me know your thoughts!

Dare you take the Histatic Quiz?

We recently had an opening evening at our school where parents of Year 6 students came for a visit. The history department devised a histatic quiz for the children and their parents to take part in while they enjoyed their time in Humanities! Dare you take the quiz? Here are the questions:

1. How many Children did Elizabeth I have?
2. What Nationality was Hitler?
3. Which dictator's name translates as 'Man of Steel'?
4. What was the last battle fought on British mainland?
4. Which statesman was assassinated on 4th April 1968?
5. What important figure in medicine carried an owl in their pocket?
6. What cards were Bill Hickock holding when he was killed?

Post your answers!

New Histatic Widget!

Check out the latest 'histatic' widget, which can be found in the right hand column, this time from another one of my favourite historical websites 'activehistory.co.uk'. These widgets are great for keeping you history mad lot up to date with the latest news in the histatic world of history! Make sure you keep an eye out for stories related to the topics you study at school!