How has Telford changed over time?

Through a series of five enquiry questions, pupils will learn how Telford has changed from prehistoric times to the 20th century.

Each question has a PowerPoint presentation of information plus a series of supporting enquiries and activity sheets to help pupils discover more about Telford’s history and embed their learning.

Our Local History series is proudly produced in partnership with Teacher’s Pet.

Downloads

Teaching ideas

By investigating the development of the town chronologically, pupils will be able to look for similarities, differences, and changes over time throughout the whole history of the town. They will gain an understanding of how the town they live in today has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by the place itself and the people who have lived in it.

Each of the following questions is designed to enable pupils to use enquiry techniques to discover for themselves how their local history relates to the national history of Britain.

The Telford Local History Teaching Overview describes the specific learning outcomes for each of the activities listed below. You can also download our ‘Essentials’ for extra resources that can be used with all five questions, such as a word mat, glossary, teacher cheat sheet, and much more.

Question 1 - Who were the first people to live in the Telford area?

  • Early Settlers in Telford - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Iron Age vs Roman Comparison Activity
  • Roman Discovery Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about the ruins at Wroxeter Roman City?

Question 2 – How did faith shape the area around Telford?

  • Faith Around Telford - PowerPoint Presentation
  • History Defenders – Faith Buildings Activity
  • Medieval Seal Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about daily life at Buildwas Abbey?

Question 3 – What effect did industry have on the Telford area?

  • Telford Industry - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Telford Top Trumps Activity
  • Iron Bridge Booklet Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about the products made by Coalport Pottery or Jackfield Tiles?

Question 4 – What was it like to live in the Telford area during the Industrial Revolution?

  • Living Conditions During the Industrial Revolution - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Nine Men of Madeley Newspaper Report Activity
  • The Cinderloo Uprising Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about child labour during the Industrial
Revolution?

Question 5 – How did the place come to be known as Telford?

  • Town of Telford - PowerPoint Presentation
  • New Town Group Discussion Activity
  • Telford Population Growth Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about what life was like for people who
moved to Telford?

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To learn about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
  • To make inferences from archaeological evidence
  • To investigate aspects of local history and how it relates to a national story
  • To develop a sense of pride in where they live
  • To develop skills in chronology using timelines and historical information
  • To create reasoned and evidentially supported judgements
  • Establish clear narratives within and across the periods studied

Prior knowledge

  • No prior knowledge is required, all information is provided.

Extended learning and useful links