Year 4: Local history research & promises to God

This week in History, our Year 4 pupils have been diving into the fascinating world of Highgate Cemetery. As part of their Victorian London studies, they’ve been learning about this iconic burial ground and its significance during the era. Using Chromebooks and Google Search, the children were tasked with researching a range of questions about the cemetery and Victorian life.

Pupils explored the differences between graveyards and cemeteries, the rapid population rise in Victorian cities, and how this impacted living conditions in London at the time. They also looked at how burial practices evolved, including why the London Necropolis Company was formed and the role of conservation in maintaining historical sites like Highgate Cemetery.

One of the highlights was discovering who the first person buried at Highgate Cemetery was, and why wealthy Victorians chose this location for their final resting place. The pupils were particularly intrigued by the unique Circle of Lebanon vaults, built around an ancient cedar tree, which gave them a sense of the history and grandeur of the cemetery.

This lesson not only helped them develop their research skills but also deepened their understanding of Victorian society. It was wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they delved into the past! We encourage you to ask your child about what they learned this week and to explore more about this fascinating period of history together.

Also, a big thank you to those who have already brought in their wonderful project work on Highgate Cemetery. We look forward to seeing more in the next week!