Education

Bolton Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress situated in the heart of Wensleydale, with stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Completed by Sir Richard Le Scrope, in 1399, its scars bear testament to more than 600 years of fascinating history making it an ideal venue for educational school visits covering topics from Medieval life to the English Civil War. The Castle is extremely well preserved with approximately one third of the rooms still intact and the rest of the Castle fully accessible giving great insight into its turbulent past. The authentic and atmospheric room displays show castle life as it would have been for different members of the community: the archers and men-at-arms, the monks, the cooks, Lord and Lady Scrope and, for six brief months, Mary Queen of Scots.

Our ‘Activity Day’ gives an opportunity for school groups, or other organisations of young people, to spend time learning about their ancestors, and the fascinating historical events that took place here at Bolton Castle, using source material other than books.

Dressed in period costume, the students will take part in events as diverse as archery and dancing to Medieval and Tudor music, immersing themselves in a full ‘hands on’ experience.

Activities are differentiated on age and ability to enable the best possible learning experience for your students. Not only that: It’s fun!
Our full day runs from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Your day will be run by husband-and-wife team, Suzy and Dave Manning. Suzy has been a health care professional working in paediatrics at LGI for the past 30 years. She has been involved in ‘Living History’ with Dave at Bolton Castle since 2000, as well as making several ‘guest’ appearances in on-site days at schools. She has become more involved in recent years since she went part-time at the hospital.
Dave spent 35 years teaching in Bradford 9-13 Middle and 11-19 Secondary schools, holding several senior roles, one of which was Head of Humanities. In 2008, after 20 years of making ‘Living History’ an integral part of the curriculum in the schools he was working in, he decided to retire from regular teaching and to establish his own business, Timetalks. Since then, he has taught history from Reception to post-19 and adult groups, both in school and at Bolton Castle, where he has been involved since 1999.

For additional information, please contact us at the castle or message Dave directly at dave@timetalks.org.uk , or alternatively ring on: 07951956553.

Dave is fairly confident his time is more flexible than yours, so if you would like to chat with him don’t hesitate to call on the above number when you have a moment.

Best Wishes from all at Bolton castle and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Suzy and Dave Manning