Fun with the Vikings (From Watford Observer)

Horrible Histories actor leads Viking workshop at Edge Grove school

2:00pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer

Pupils from Edge Grove School in Aldenham, were alternately fascinated and repulsed by Viking stories at the prep school last week.

The Viking workshop was led by Thorulf Hammrsson, who has appeared in the BBC Horrible Histories series. With his vast array of reproduction home life artefacts, from cooking pots and utensils to an ironing board and combs, the Year 4 pupils learned what was expected of them 1,200 years ago.

"It was evident from the children’s responses to our not-so-friendly Viking that reading and watching Horrible Histories at home had given them a fantastic insight into Viking times," said Sam Robinson, the teacher who organised the day.

The day culminated in a fierce battle where pupils’ expertly made swords, shields and helmets came to good use.

Pupil Armaan Joshi, said: "We got to dress up. I made my own helmet, shield and two swords.

"The best part of the day was when Thorulf chopped a melon in half with his sword to show how powerful and sharp it was.

"We learned a lot but the thing I remember most was that Vikings loved to show off things that were expensive or important to them. It was a great experience. We had so much fun."