Year 8 History
READING TASKS
Horrible History: The Terrible Tudors, Terry Deary
This book will take you through why the Terrible Tudors weren't just terrible. They were a heck of a horrible bunch! What with Henry VIII and his unlucky wives, and beastly Queen Bess and her slaughtered suitors, even the Tudor kings and queens were royally rotten.
Horrible History: The Slimy Stuarts, Terry Deary
This history book describes the more gruesome side of the Stuart period. It tells why some Stuarts ate toads, snails and fleas, which king picked his nose and never washed his hands, and who wore fish on their feet.
The Tudors and Stuarts, Usborne History of Britain, Fiona Patchett
Part of the History of Britain series, this book tells the story of life in Britain under the Tudors and Stuarts. Full of intriguing facts, illustrations, detailed reconstructions, paintings and maps.
Adventures in Time: The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Dominic Sandbrook
Through the eyes of Henry VIII's six very different queens, from a brave Spanish princess to a wise English widow, historian Dominic Sandbrook takes us on a thrilling journey through the twists and turns of a dramatic age. For no one is safe from the wheel of fortune: it can take you from a golden throne to the Tower of London.
WRITING TASKS
Review
Write a review of one of the books you have read from the History reading list OR one of the films / series you have watched.
- Would you recommend it to others?
- If yes, why?
Biography
Write a one-page biography of an important early-modern figure. For example, Martin Luther, Henry VIII, or Queen Elizabeth I.
Write your own historical fiction
Enter this annual competition from the Historical Association which challenges you to write your own piece of fiction. See this link for more information.
LISTENING TASKS
Restoration of the Monarchy
Homeschool History: The Restoration of the Monarchy (BBC Sounds)
The Great Fire of London
Homeschool History: The Great Fire of London (BBC Sounds)
William Shakespeare
Homeschool History: William Shakespeare (BBC Sounds)
WATCHING TASKS
Elizabeth
- ‘Elizabeth’, 1998 (Film)
- ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’, 2007 (Film)
Elizabeth Tudor becomes queen of a divided and dangerous England in 1558. She is roundly perceived as weak by threats from within and abroad, and she is strongly advised to marry by counsel William Cecil. But she will be married only to her country.
Roots
Roots' (TV mini series) 1977 or 2016
Based on Alex Haley's family history. Kunta Kinte is sold into the slave trade after being abducted from his African village, and is taken to the United States. Kinte and his family observe notable events in American history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings and emancipation.
RESEARCH TASKS
Tudor England
Look on BBC iWonder site at ‘How could you survive in Tudor England?’
British Slave Owners
Look at the BBC iWonder site at ‘How did slave-owners shape Britain?’
Slave Trade - British Involvement
Research the British involvement in the slave trade, using these mini-documentaries produced by David Olusoga.
TRIPS AND VISITS
Hatfield House - Hatfield House, Hatfield
Hampden Court Palace - Hampden Court Palace, Surrey
Oliver Cromwell House - Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Museum of London - Sugar and Slavery Exhibition, Museum of London
CREATIVE TASKS
Diary Entry
Write a letter from Oliver Cromwell to King Charles I, explaining all of your complaints. You could also try writing a reply from King Charles!
Drawing Task
Create an English Civil War recruitment poster calling for men to join the army to fight for Charles I OR to fight for Oliver Cromwell.