St Mary’s Field Museum: Historic maps and how to read them 

Overview:  

Before we build bridges, tunnels, tracks and stations, the largest archaeology programme ever undertaken in the UK is taking place along the line of route. This lesson plan is part of a collection of resources created by Fusion JV, an HS2 supplier who has been carrying out our archaeological work in Buckinghamshire. 

Students can discover the archaeology and history of Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire through resource packs which include print-out worksheets and exercises to encourage engagement with historic materials in the subjects of art, design technology, geography, English, science and history. These downloadable interactive `Dig-ital’ packs offer creative 40 minute workshops that encourage critical thinking and the application of scientific thought to the analysis of historic materials.  

The ’Historic maps and how to read them’ lesson looks at how historic maps and photographs can help archaeologists to understand what else was in the area at the same time as the building they are excavating. Students will look at historic maps and photographs of the area surrounding St Mary’s Church and record what they find.  

Learning Objectives:  

• Discuss historic maps and photographs and how they are used by historians and archaeologists. 
• Explore how historic maps and photographs can help us understand how a place has changed over time. 
• Learn more about how Stoke Mandeville looked in the past to understand why local people stopped using the old church. 

Delivery notes:  

This lesson will take about 40 minutes to complete. 

Students will need print outs, access to the internet for research.