The Black Death

Suitable for KS 2, 3 or 4 pupils, this workshop would be great for pupils studying the effects of the Black Death at KS3, or looking at local history and the plague in Newcastle in 1636 at KS2. At KS4 you could compare the Black Death to other epidemics as part of a depth study.

The workshop takes place in the Harbottle Suite in the Black Gate. This is an indoor classroom with two toilets (one accessible) and heating. It lasts approximately 90 minutes, though this can be varied if necessary to fit your needs.

Activities include:

• A meeting with the terrifying plague doctor!

• A discussion activity about the symptoms of plague and how it would feel to live at the time

• A handling activity combined with a discussion about various proposed causes and cures for plague used at the time

• An introduction to medieval medical theories, illustrated through a roleplay activity.