How has Maidstone changed over time?

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Maidstone 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 Maidstone’s history and embed their learning.

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

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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 Maidstone 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 Maidstone area?

  • Maidstone - Stone Age to Iron Age - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Protecting Our Heritage – Kits Coty Activity
  • Maidstone Boughton Hoard Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Coldrum Stones site?

Question 2 – How did invaders influence the area in and around Maidstone?

  • Maidstone Invaders - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Maidstone Roman Coins Analysis Activity
  • Invaders Across Maidstone Timeline Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about Leeds Castle near Maidstone?

Question 3 – How can buildings teach us about Maidstone’s past?

  • The growth of Maidstone - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Listed Buildings Activity
  • Pyramid of Significance Activity

Extended Task: Could you write a persuasive letter or create a poster about the building that you believe to be the most important in Maidstone?

Question 4 – How did the Industrial Revolution change Maidstone?

  • Maidstone and the Industrial Revolution - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Trade Directory Analysis Activity
  • Hop Pickers Diary Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out what happened to one of the paper mills or to Fremlin’s brewery?

Question 5 – What was life like for people from Maidstone during the wars?

  • Wartime Maidstone - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Personal Account Activity
  • Comparing the Wars Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out about a war hero from the Maidstone area?

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