New Schools Project on Victorian Handling

RCM offers a whole-day session for local Primary Schools - discovery, searching for criminal evidence and handling Victorian artefacts.

The day concentrates on the notorious case of the Oakham poachers. Three brothers, ambushed by a gamekeeper and his assistant, shot at them seriously wounding them. They were brought to trial at Rutland Assizes, found guilty and condemned to death. The oldest was hanged (the last at Oakham) and the other two transported, one dying on the voyage. The descendants of the other still live in Australia.

Although the events themselves occurred in 1833 as that was only four years before Victoria's accession they accurately reflect social conditions and the penal system in the early part of her reign.  The session meets the National Curriculum topic 'What the Victorians did for us' in terms of penal and social reform. Cross-curricular activities include history, literacy (persuasive writing), some numeracy and science, citizenship and self-development.  It is designed for KS2 (years 5/6) but could be modified for years 3/4, able pupils.

Brief outline of the day. On arrival at the Museum pupils are ushered into the 'Interrogation Room' of Oakham Gaol and House of Correction, and confronted by P.C. Dring (in Peeler uniform).  After outlining the events P.C. Dring takes half the group to the  the main gallery to look for 'clues' and a handling session, whilst the other half undertakes a literary task with the teacher.  The groups change over and a different literary session is conducted, before a plenary session examining the evidence.  A 200 metre walk to Oakham Castle (scene of the trial) is followed by lunch, visits to the cells and tasting prison fare (optional) before the afternoon session.  The trial is recreated by the pupils through role-play and hot-seating with a final debate on crime and punishment.  Post-session activities are suggested with teacher's notes.

for more info rutnet website