Videos, editable resources and primary sources
KS1 history resources for the classroom
These resources introduce Key Stage 1 students to three Tudor and three Victorian individuals.
Each figure comes with a collection of resources:
- An introduction video made specifically for KS1 students.
- A Primary Source PowerPoint Task to encourage students to engage with real historical evidence.
- A Watch-Along Guide with ideas on how to use the video effectively in the classroom.
Plus, Teacher Knowledge Boosters to strengthen subject knowledge and build confidence when teaching complex historical topics.
These videos also provide a gateway to exploring wider historical themes such as exploration, women’s rights, disability, migration, and the British Empire.
Primary sources
These resources also address the question: how do we know?
Each resource links back the original historical sources to reveal how we know about these significant individuals today.
Resources developed in collaboration with Mr T Does Primary History.
Tudor Significant Individuals
Queen Elizabeth I
Meet this iconic queen at Hampton Court Palace. Discover the challenges she faced as queen and why she famously refused to marry!
John Blanke
A skilled Black musician in the royal court. Find out how he impressed Henry VII and Henry VIII, and what happened when he boldly asked the king for a pay rise!
Will Somer
A royal entertainer at Hampton Court Palace, who may have had a learning disability. Discover what his job was like, how he became close to Henry VIII’s family, and did he really have a monkey?
Victorian Significant Individuals
Queen Victoria
Meet Queen Victoria at her childhood home, Kensington Palace. Learn about the challenges she faced as queen and explore what life was like during the Victorian period.
Ina Sarah Forbes Bonetta
A girl from West Africa taken to Victorian England. She became known for her intelligence and talent. Learn how she remembered her heritage on her marriage certificate.
Sophia Duleep Singh
An Indian princess who became a brave suffragette. Discover what being a princess meant to her, why she fought for women’s rights, and the inspiring story behind her bicycle!
Teacher Knowledge Boosters
Simple, editable Knowledge Boosters for teachers. They offer quick, accessible insights to enhance subject knowledge.
Tudor Knowledge Booster
Topics include the power of the monarchy, daily life, plus exploration, trade and exploitation.
Victorian Knowledge Booster
Topics include the power of the monarchy, daily life, plus the British Empire.
Comparing Queens
Compare the lives of two famous queens in British history.
Comparing Queens
Watch the videos to meet the queens! Use the PowerPoint activity to compare their lives.
Historic enquiry
These resources support historic enquiry, using portraits, tapestries and documents as historical sources. They contain enquiry questions for students plus background notes for teachers.