CHILDREN can now explore the history of Europe’s most excavated monastic site in imaginative

Norton Priory is launching new dance and drama workshops designed for up to 65 primary school pupils aged seven to 11.

The two-day programme focuses on key moments during the last 900 years including accusations made against the priory canons, the dissolution of the monasteries, the Tudor sale of abandoned church and land to the Brooke family as well as the English civil war.

The sessions, delivered by performance specialists Much Ado Workshops, culminate in a performance across the Runcorn museum site including the Grade I listed medieval undercroft.

Norton Priory learning manager Susan Brownrigg said: “We are delighted to be able to offer schools a really innovative way of learning about local history.

“The two day workshops are designed to inspire self-confidence and creativity, with children of all abilities finding a different way to access the fascinating 900 year story of Norton Priory.

“We are thrilled that Much Ado Workshops have been inspired to offer a bespoke session at Norton Priory following their success at Lion Salt Works.

“We expect these sessions to be really popular.

Workshop facilitator Samina Holmes said: “After a tour of the site pupils will spend the rest of the morning immersed in a fully inclusive, energetic performance workshop.

“Through small group work they will devise drama, dance and movement pieces based on the fascinating history and colourful characters of Norton Priory.

“Expanding pupils’ creative curriculum, exploring local history and developing a wide range of their skills, this exciting workshop is not to be missed.”

A discount of £100 is being offered to the first schools that book before the February half term.

Schools interested in booking a two-day workshop should contact Norton Priory on 01928 569895 or email info@nortonpriory.org for details including costs and available dates.