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Activity 6: Why is Laxton maintained?

Enquiry Question

 

Why is the village of Laxton maintained as a working example of open field farming?

Aims

• The revised National Curriculum encourages the following:

"Curriculum opportunities: appreciate and evaluate, through visits where possible, the role of museums, galleries, archives and historic sites in preserving, presenting and influencing people’s attitudes towards the past"

Resources

• NO ARCHIVE MATERIAL REQUIRED
• Examples of ‘heritage sites’ literature
• English Heritage website, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
• The National Trust website, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Downloads

• Activity guide (1 page) (MS Word)

Outline Starter

• In 1981 the Laxton estate was purchased from the Ministry of Agriculture by the Crown Estate Commissioners. On purchase, the Commissioners gave a Parliamentary undertaking of their intention to continue the Open Field System (England's only remaining example) and associated customs.
• Ask the key question: WHY is Laxton protected and maintained?

Main

• Investigate and promote a local historical site worthy of preservation
• Use the brochures, flyers, leaflets and websites of existing sites for creative inspiration
• Produce display boards detailing the historical value of their chosen site and explain why this particular piece of heritage is important locally and nationally
• Present to the class or year group or school

 

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