Prep 3 Step Back in Time During Roman Workshop Adventure

Prep 3 pupils at Hatherop Castle School travelled back in time for an unforgettable Roman workshop experience led by Centurion Lulius Marcellinus from Roman Britain Schools Workshop.

Dressed in Roman-inspired costumes, the children arrived at the marching camp ready to begin life as new Roman recruits. Throughout the immersive day, pupils discovered fascinating facts about Roman Britain, including learning that Roman soldiers could march up to 25 miles in a single day.

The workshop gave pupils a hands-on insight into the life of a Roman legionary. Children explored authentic Roman armour and learnt the Latin names for different pieces, including the Lorica Segmentata (segmented armour) and Cassis (helmet). Many pupils were thrilled to try on the armour themselves and experience just how heavy it would have been for Roman soldiers.

Prep 3 also explored the many jobs soldiers carried out within a Roman camp. Activities included polishing armour, writing on beeswax tablets, creating mosaics, practising target aiming with catapults and playing traditional Roman legionary games.

One particularly memorable moment came when Centurion Lulius Marcellinus demonstrated how Roman food was designed to last for long journeys by eating a piece of bread that was more than three years old. Pupils also sampled a traditional Roman lentil stew recipe with Roman bread, giving them a real taste of history.

To finish the day, the children learnt how to carry and manoeuvre Roman shields before marching together in formation like true Roman soldiers. They practised famous battle formations, including the “saw” and the “tortoise”, while following commands spoken entirely in Latin.

The exciting workshop brought history vividly to life and gave Prep 3 a deeper understanding of Roman Britain through practical learning, teamwork and adventure.