West Stow

On  Friday  20th  November,  Year  Five  visited  West  Stow  Anglo  Saxon  Village.    Year  Five  have  been  studying the Anglo Saxons and the children learned a great deal during the visit.  A video informed  us about the history of settlements at Stow and many were amazed by how long ago people lived  on  the  site  where  we  were  sat.    After  that,  we  visited  the  houses  built  as  part  of  experimental archaeology.  At West Stow, the archaeologists are experimenting to try to learn more about what  Anglo Saxon houses would have been like.  Most children agreed the houses were very sparse, a bit  smelly (due to the fires to heat them) and that they were very small. In  addition  to  the  houses,  we  also  visited  the  museum  which  is  packed  full  of  artefacts  dug  up during the excavations at West Stow. The  children  displayed  interest  and  enthusiasm  throughout  the  day.    When  questioned,  many children gave pertinent and informed answers to historical questions.  Year Five children will soon  write non - chronological reports about the Anglo Saxons as part of their English work.