These hardworking youngsters are taking a well-earned break after serving their masters and working on the farm.

The pupils, of St Margaret's School, Bowers Gifford, were in role as Tudor characters during an educational trip to Kentwell Hall in Suffolk.

While there, the 90 nine and ten-year-olds had to fall into character to turn back the clock and improve their understanding of history.

They washed clothes in the lake, polished armour, used quill pens and made candles. Later they played games like tug of war and archery.

Teacher Tim Eagling went along in costume.

He said: "I would say it was the most valuable type of educational visit they could have. They were getting involved rather than watching and filling in a work sheet."

Living history - Emily Havill, seven, Terri Gubbins, nine and Adam Parry, eight, enjoy a game of marbles

Picture: ANDY PALMER

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.