Saxon Adventure: Exeter Pupils Step Back in Time at Escot

Year 4 pupils from  Whipton Barton Federation embarked on an unforgettable trip to Wildwood Devon at Escot Park this month, immersing themselves in 'living Saxon history.'  

The children were transported back in time, exploring life as a Saxon villager and experiencing the everyday tasks that would have defined their ancestors’ lives.

Spread across 40 acres of gardens and woodland in the heart of the county, Wildwood is a charity dedicated to restoring nature through innovative rewilding projects. 

During their visit, pupils got hands-on with history as they baked bread, forged bronze, and carved runes.  They also had the opportunity to explore traditional Saxon huts and shelters, offering a unique glimpse into the past.  

The adventure didn’t stop there,  the pupils also foraged through woodlands and visited an array of wildlife, including wolves, boar, arctic foxes, and lynxes, enriching their learning experience even further.

At Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they believe that high-quality history lessons ignite curiosity and enable children to think and act as historians. 

Pupils study important periods in British and world history, from Roman Britain to the World Wars. Covering themes such as change, continuity, power, and perspective, pupils access a broad curriculum and develop an understanding of the past’s influence on today’s world and encourages a deeper appreciation of history. 

Louise Moretta. Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

“Our Year 4 pupils truly embraced this incredible opportunity to experience history in such an interactive way and I am so proud of the way they represented the school.  This visit gave them the chance to step into the shoes of Saxon villagers, providing them with a hands-on history lesson that was the perfect blend of education, adventure, and fun.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“It’s one thing to read about history, but to experience it in such an engaging and meaningful way is truly invaluable.  This trip to Escot Park will have made a long-lasting impression on the pupils and I am thrilled that they will carry the memories of what they learnt there with them for years to come.”