In a historic first, 30 Year 6 girls from Portsmouth High School have etched their names in history by being the first school group to sleepover at the Weald & Downland Living Museum! This extraordinary event during May offered the young adventurers an unforgettable experience to sleep amidst history.
The girls arrived in the afternoon, armed with sleeping bags and roll mats, ready to immerse themselves in a world from centuries ago. Their temporary home for the night was Bayleaf, our timber-framed hall-house dating back to the early 15th century. The day was filled with Tudor-themed workshops, providing a glimpse into what life might have been like during that era and to prepare them for the night ahead.
As the sun set and the day visitors left, the true excitement began. The girls enjoyed a meal of fish and chips, followed by hill rolling, songs, ghost stories, and toasting marshmallows around a fire pit to keep the energy high. When it was time to sleep, the girls bedded down on the ground floor while their teachers took the service rooms. The full moon added a magical touch to the already auspicious occasion.
Hilary Cunningham, Learning and Public Programming Manager, and Mark Havey, Learning Officer, also stayed overnight to ensure everything went smoothly. Hilary commented, “There is nothing that can replicate the feeling of spending the night in a historic house. The sheer darkness, the hard floor, the scurries of little animals going about their business and hooting of owls make for a such a memorable and unique experience that I’m sure will live on in the girl’s memories long after they have gone back to their home comforts. It is such a wonderfully exciting and immersive opportunity for them and we felt that the occasion needed to be marked in a special way, so we made them certificates to let them know that they had each made Museum history.”
Fun Morning Activities
The following morning, the girls enjoyed breakfast before participating in an orienteering exercise. Using maps and compasses, they navigated the 40-acre site, adding yet another layer of adventure to their experience.
When asked about their night at the Museum, the girls unanimously agreed that despite the hard floor, chilly night, and unexpected noises, they had the most incredible shared experience. One girl declared it to be “the best school trip I’ve ever been on,” while another eagerly asked, “Can we stay over again tonight?”
The sleepover not only offered an immersive historical experience but also created lifelong memories for the students. It’s a testament to the Museum’s commitment to making history come alive in the most engaging and educational ways possible.
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