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

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.