On Monday this week, BusyBee class had a special historical visitor! Hatt, popped in to see the pupils to ask for willing volunteers to join him on his quest through Europe!

Hatt talked to the class about the three different types of Anglo Saxons—the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes—and how they had come from the lands of Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands! He also explained that they were experienced farmers who lived off the land and that they were able to make equipment such as ploughs and tools to help them in their work. He informed them that they would grind wheat to make flour so they could make bread. Also, the pupils found out that some Anglo Saxons were skilled craftspeople who made decorative  jewellery such as brooches and necklaces.

The Busybees also found out that children in Anglo Saxon times didn’t go to school. Instead they learned skills from their parents. Boys learned farming and craftmanship from their fathers, while girls would often learn how to spin cloth and look after the home. Adults also enjoyed sports such as hunting, horse-racing and playing musical instruments. Hatt even whet the children’s appetites by referring to the famous tale of Beowulf—which the children will be finding out more about as the term progresses.

Hatt finished off by talking to the children about his clothing, including his strange shiny metal helmet, simple but effective sword and large axe, as well as his warm and cosy animal furs—which helped keep him warm on cold winter days as well as making him look even more magnificent!   He said that Anglo Saxons were mostly a peaceful race, but they were prepared to fight and defend themselves if they needed to.

Pleasingly, pretty much every member of Busybee class voted to join Hatt on his epic quest—so unfortunately they will not be returning to school in the foreseeable future—sorry parents and carers!

I am sure you will join me in wishing Hatt and his merry band of Anglo Saxons the very best of luck!