Education staff at DZG have revamped a popular public workshop to cater for pre-booked school groups.

Horrible History sessions take place in the Undercroft of the 11th century Dudley Castle and offer youngsters a taste of  the grislier side of Tudor life, including meeting animals such as rats and cockroaches.

Workshops also explore Tudor food and drink, and arms and armour from that period, including chain mail, helmets and swords which are on display.

For more details contact DZG's Education Department on 01384 215317  or email Caroline Parsons (caroline.education@dudleyzoo.org.uk).

Pupils’ taste of Tudor times

Youngsters enjoyed a taste of the gritty realities of life 500 years ago during a history workshop at DZG.

A group of children from Arden Primary School, in Birmingham, learned about the Tudor period at one of DZG’s regular Horrible History sessions in the ruins of Dudley Castle.

Education presenter Caroline Parsons led the event, telling pupils about the harsher side of life in the 16th century.

The children met Whisky the rat and Larry the tarantula, from DZG’s small tame animal collection, as part of their education about the creepy crawlies and rodents which were part of life at that time.

They also got the chance to try on Tudor-style clothes and armour in the castle’s History Discovery Zone.

Caroline said: “Children always love the Horrible History workshop because it is very hands-on, where they can meet the animals, try on costumes and really get a feel for life all those centuries ago.

“They learn about the smells, illnesses and potions of the era too, such as what herbs people would have taken if they fell sick.”

Arden Primary School teacher Kiren Rana said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit, which was not only informative but also a lot of fun.”