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Empire and Trade

About this session

Key stage 3 | Subject: History | Topic: Victorians, Stuarts, Georgians | Session Type: Route-based and classroom 

How does Kensington Palace reveal the relationship between monarchy, global trade, and the expansion of the British Empire? 

This interactive session invites students to explore the British Empire through historic objects. Pupils will investigate how everyday items such as silverware, ceramics, tea-related objects, and clothing reveal Britain’s trading links with Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Through guided discussion and hands‑on object handling, students consider where these objects came from, whose labour made their production possible, and why they were valued by royal residents. The session encourages learners to think critically about the human impact of empire, including colonial exploitation and enslavement, while developing key historical enquiry skills. 

Learning Objectives:  

Students will: 

  • Develop an understanding of how monarchs influenced the growth of the British Empire  
  • Investigate how objects reveal the global trade networks of the British empire  
  • Develop historical enquiry skills through object handling 

National Curriculum Links: 

This session supports History: 

  • The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745. 
  • Understanding historical concepts, draw contrasts, analyse trends and frame historically-valid questions.
  • Understanding how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. 

Booking information

Availability: 

10:45, 13:00 

October 2026 

Wednesday 7 October 2026
Thursday 8 October 2026
Friday 9 October 2026

March 2027 

Wednesday 10 March 2027
Thursday 11 March 2027
Friday 12 March 2027

May 2027

Wednesday 12 May 2027
Thursday 13 May 2027
Friday 14 May 2027

Also available on request please contact kensingtonlearning@hrp.org.uk

Duration
75 minutes 

Capacity
Up to 35 students 

Price
£114 plus admission 

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