Children from Grange Primary School, Preston (with parental permission to use) in Winckley Square.

The Winckley Square Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is now underway.  A group of 12 children from Grange Primary School visited on Friday 30 January. They carried out research and enjoyed a field trip to the square to help their learning and understanding of the Georgian properties, the people who lived in them and how they might have lived – from the clothes they wore to their lifestyles.

Jenn McCrea, Teaching Assistant at Grange Primary School, said:

“A group of our years 4 to 6 pupils have spent recent weeks researching the development of Winckley Square, learning about who built these Georgian townhouses, who lived in them, their clothing fashions and lifestyle.”

Chriss Whittle, Community Development Officer for partner agency Community Gateway Association, added:

“We put a lot of time and effort into planning the programme, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It has been great seeing the children visit Winckley Square, understanding its layout and seeing them get a feel for its history. We are looking forward to carrying this on by involving a number of other local schools who seem very excited by this programme.”

As part of their trip, the children also paid a visit to Preston Vocational Centre, where they learned about historic building techniques and had fun working with lime mortar.

There are currently plans being finalised for a £1 million bid to restore and conserve the Winckley Square gardens.

What do you think of the Winckley Square children’s trip as a source of local history education? Let us know in the comments below.