National Curriculum
–
KS2 (Years 5/6)
Duration: 2.20
hours approx. – Average group size 100
The Visit Aims

Through role play the children will experience the different lifestyles of an aristocratic family, their guests and the servants employed by them.
The children will witness the hierarchy of a Victorian Country House brought to vivid life by costumed Rangers and Heritage Volunteers.

With practical activities in the Hall, Stable Yard, Walled Garden and
Woodland, the children will experience the sights and sounds, the hardships and the pleasures of life on a Victorian Country Estate as it prepares for the busy Christmas season.
The Visit
The scenario is that of a Christmas house party given by Sir William Philip
Molyneux, Earl of Sefton, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and Lady Cecil
Emily Countess of Sefton , the owners of the Croxteth Estate in 1891. Some children are invited as guests of Lord and Lady Sefton, while others are invited to apply for various positions within the household staff.
Parties of around 100 children can be accepted and they will be divided into groups. The individual groups are led by a combination of the Ranger
Interpretation Service, members of Croxteth staff, Heritage Volunteers and students and demonstrators all in appropriate period costume.
The groups are as listed below - numbers quoted are approximate guidelines;
GUESTS (14). Chapperoned and tutored by ‘the Governess’ . Guests are instructed in ettiquette and deportment. The young guests also practice their writing skills, make
Christmas novelties and sing carols around the Christmas tree.
UNDER-FOOTMEN (22). Led by ‘the Butler’ . Working in the ‘Butler’s room’ they will be trained in duties appropriate to their position; folding napkins, pouring and serving wine, taking messages and general fetching and carrying.
HOUSE MAIDS (14 ). Led by ‘the Housekeeper’ . Will be trained in the general duties of a housemaid, eg, polishing woodwork and brass fittings throughout the Hall, dusting and making beds etc.
KITCHEN MAIDS (14 ). Led by ‘Cook’ . Maids will be under the personal supervision of
Lord Sefton’s cook, baking and cleaning in the kitchens. Clean hands are imperative.
WOOD BOYS (14). Led by ‘the Forester’ . Will collect and stack logs, prepare for the fire and deliver them to the Hall. They may also need to collect extra greenery such as holly for the kitchens and to decorate the Hall.
STABLE HANDS (12). Led by ‘the Groom’. Will assist running the stables – bedding, feeding and watering horses, cleaning tack, harnesses and saddlery.Will also wash carraiges if required.
GARDEN BOYS ( 12). Led by ‘the Head Gardener’ . Will assist cultivating and maintaining the Walled Garden and work as directed on seasonal tasks (such as collecting Winter greens) and re-potting plants for the Hall.

Croxteth Hall is at the heart of a great country estate and was the ancestral home of the
Molyneux family (Earls of Sefton) . The Hall together with the Victorian Walled Garden, Home
Farm and 215 hectares of parkland provide us with a wonderful historical resource
– a legacy of an echo of life as it was lived in a great Country house in the late Victorian period. We recreate aspects of this life – both luxurious and harsh – to allow children to follow in the footprints of the
Victorian household to experience what it must have been like to live and work in such a place either as guests of the family or their servants.
Visit Resources

Free Teachers Briefing: *It is important to attend this session (even if you have
been before) as parts of the programme may have changed. The briefing is also a reminder of all the detail and important points such as a full Risk Assessment of the roles and duties of everyone involved. Alternative arrangements for attending a briefing can normally be made for those unable to make set dates..
 Teacher’s information – visit notes, costume suggestions, ‘role’ details, numbers and historical background information will be emailed. Hard copies available to collect by agreement.

PDF files give an insight into what Victorian Christmas is all about. Powerpoint presentations show previous ‘Victorian’ sessions; there are costume ideas printed resources. This information is ideal for pre and post visit work.
Visit Notes
Supervision Schools should note that at least 1 adult must accompany each group plus one adult as ‘photographer’ if required (8 free adults). Additional adults are welcome but will be charged at the child rate. Twinned schools should liaise with each other to ensure this is the case, (contact details given with confirmation).
Risk Assessments - are available for all guided visits.
Timing Timing is critical
– please try to arrive on time for your session.
Sessions start at 10.00am and 13.00, finishing at 12.20 and 15.20 respectively. We would suggest that you arrive 15 minutes in advance to allow time for parking, toilets etc.
Parking Please arrive via the Service Entrance off Croxteth Hall Lane, post code L12 0HB and follow direction signs to the Hall. Parking spaces will be allocated and signed for coaches.
Clothing - All participants must be in appropriate Victorian costume ( including adults ) – details given at Teachers Briefing.
Charge -
The charge for ‘Victorian Christmas’ is £10:00 per head and should be payed in advance (see below).
Payment Please pay in advance of your visit as facilities and time to pay on arrival to
‘Victorian Christmas’ will be unavailable.
Further Information - about this and other visits are detailed on our ‘Learning Opportunities’ website http://liverpoolcityhalls.co.uk/croxteth-hall/education
Customer Feedback Forms We welcome evaluation and constructive comments on your visit. Please return the feedback form provided
– it will help us to monitor and develop our programmes to ensure their quality and relevance.
Liverpool City Council Ranger Service, Croxteth Hall & Country Park,
Croxteth Hall Lane, Liverpool L12 OHB Tel: 0151 233 6915
Email: park.rangers@liverpool.gov.uk
Twitter: Liverpool Rangers @RangerLiverpool