History - Industrial Revolution

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The growth of the cities

During the second half of the eighteenth century, a huge change began to take place in Britain. Driven by a unique set of circumstances including, but not limited to, growth in population and the opening up of export markets which both pushed up demand. The availability of raw materials, especially coal. Big advances in technology, including the steam engine, which allowed a less skilled, but much larger work force to become employed in the towns and cities rather than in the countryside. And improvements in transport infrastructure such as roads, canals and railways. By early part of the nineteenth century these changes were having an enormous effect on the social conditions of the population, as well as on the economic prosperity of the nation.

The legacy of the Industrial Revolution can still be seen in almost every town and city. If you are studying this amazing and fascinating period of British history with your class, there are lots of wonderful venues, dedicated to bringing these sights and sounds back to life for your children to experience first hand. All parts of the country were affected, and you will find educational resources in your own location, but if you wish to visit where it all began, a visit to Ironbridge or the Black Country is a real treat.

National Museum Of The Royal Navy in Hartlepool

We now have our brand new self led trail booklet, specifically created for education visits, you will be guided around the ship by Poll the Parrot who will tell you all about what life was like on board and how the sailor's lived and worked. Guides will be to hand on board at all times and teachers will be provided with an electronic copy of the trail before your visit. Added to this groups can discover what life was like for the officers and crew in our ‘Fighting Ships’ exhibit. There is also hands-on fun to be had in our ‘Maritime Adventure Centre’ and our ‘Play Ship’ will keep pupils entertained until it’s time to leave. The Discovery Visit can be combined with one or more workshops. You can also add a traditional rope making experience where the group can see how...