Year 4 visit the Manor, Hemingford Grey

Last week, Year 4 had the privilege of visiting the second oldest house in Britain, the Manor, Hemingsford Grey, offering a walk through 900 years of history. Built in about 1130, the house was owned then by the de Grey family, which came to include Edmund Dudley, Henry VII’s favourite, and Richard Cromwell, Oliver’s grandfather. The house has been continuously occupied since, forming a backdrop to much notable UK history and an inspiration to writers since.

The class enjoyed revisiting their Norman knowledge from History and learning more about the house's architecture. Above all, they were delighted to see the house bring their class book, The Children of Green Knowe, to life. In this book, author Lucy Boston reimagines the Manor as Greene Knowe, and the class was fascinated to see Tolly’s bedroom, his rocking horse and toy box, as well as the music room. Another highlight was the gramophone from 1929, on which they played Greensleeves. 

Year 4 loved their trip, bringing to life their History and English lessons in the tranquil surroundings on the Manor. Find out more about how St Mary's can inspire your daughter's learning here.