The people of the battle

Levels A - C, Social Subjects: People in Society

Programme Description:
What made the people involved in the Battle of Culloden decide for one thing, but against
another? And how did that change their lives, and our history? This programme introduces pupils to the social, cultural and political structures that influenced the Battle of Culloden and looks at how aspirations, opinions, and fears impacted individuals and events throughout the conflict. The artefacts on display in the new exhibition will help pupils discover the circumstances of the people engaged in the ’45 rising and how these shaped their decisions. Out on the battlefield (weather permitting), pupils will see how a man’s fate was determined by his role and place in society and in the army. The programme is guided by a costumed interpreter, except for the discovery tour of the exhibition which will be facilitated by a teacher using the exhibition guide provided.
A free advance visit is strongly recommended for teachers to familiarise themselves with the exhibition and the discovery quiz.

Programme activities include:

• Wearing period costumes
• story telling
• a discovery tour of the exhibition
• Redcoat drills & Highland charge
• Tour of the battlefield

Programme Outline:

• Arrival
• What choice did we have? Looking at different classes of people involved in the ‘45, their motivations and their circumstances. Learning Suite.
• Tour of the Battlefield.
• Discovery tour of the exhibition. Looking at artefacts to learn about people.
• Bringing it all together. What have we learned today? Learning Suite.
• Lunch. You may enjoy your packed lunches in our learning suite.

Pre-visit activity (recommended):

• Imagine you are a Highland Clansman: would you support Prince Charles, or would you fight against him? Let’s talk about your decision when you visit Culloden Battlefield.