Our teachers’ packs have information about the Priory, and lesson and project ideas. The teaching resources contain worksheets and instructions for specific activities. We’re completing the other packs so check here for updates.
All our resources are free to download and use.
These information packs are to help create schemes of works and lessons based on Merton Priory. Useful (KS3) textbooks include Medieval Minds in Pearson’s Think Through History series and Invasion, Plague and Murder in OUP’s KS3 History series.
Key Stages 2 and 3
- Monastic Life
- Merton Priory
- What did Merton Priory look like?
TBA – This explores why Merton Priory was so big, and what it might have looked like.
- Merton – where?
TBA – Merton Priory does not exist, but it used to be one of the most important institutions in England. This explores why there is nothing left, and how we can best remember Merton Priory.
Building of Stone – This looks at the basic building material of Merton Priory, and links history and geography, art and design.
- Thomas Becket.
Thomas Beckett – The death of Thomas Becket is famous; less well-known is that Thomas was a schoolboy at Merton.
- Hubert de Burgh.
Hubert de Burgh – As Justiciar of England under Henry III, Hubert was one of the most important men in the kingdom. But in 1232, he fled to Merton Priory, pursued by a murderous mob of Londoners…
- Matilda of Scotland.
Matilda of Scotland – Matilda was a supporter of Merton Priory before its first stone was laid. She is one of the most interesting and undersung queens in English mediaeval history.
- Further ideas:
Teacher's Pack - 11 - Further Ideas – Merton Priory can feature in lessons about the Norman Conquest, Magna Carta and Parliament, the Black Death, and the English Reformation.
Merton Priory can form part of the history of medicine (mediaeval hospitals, public health, religion and medicine), and part of the history of the reign of King John. Merton Priory is also ideal for the OCR History Around Us component.
- Using Merton Priory for GCSE
Merton Priory - GCSE History
- OCR History Around Us site study – TBA
- A day in the life of a monk – TBA
- A day in the life of a novice – TBA
- How to cut a quill pen
Teaching Resource - How To Cut A Pen
- Daydreams and doodles – pictures drawn by (bored) scribes)
Teaching Resource - Daydreams & Doodles
- How many tiles? – TBA
- Who am I? – TBA
- Making a model column – TBA
- Making mediaeval machines – TBA
- The Infirmary
Teaching Resource - The Infirmary
Merton Priory is open for school visits.
Contact us to arrange a visit.
A 15-minute film about Merton Priory is here.
There are some excellent resources about monasteries on the internet.
Here are some of the best:
- Lewes Priory offers some good education packs, and a whole variety of information, including an illustrated guide to monks
- Wessex Archaeology’s learning resources, including some useful sign language (monks were silent)
- The BBC’s Day in the Life of a Benedictine Monk
We really value your ideas and suggestions on how to improve or add to our resources. Please e-mail us with your comments.