It was a History trip so for the first time in a long time the sun came out to shine! We arrived on this sunny day at Goodrich ready to hear the story of Lady Joan de Valance. She told us of the era she came from (1290) and how the castle, originally built in 1113, looked and operated in her times. We saw where the Barbican had once stood and then went through the gatehouse to where they either let visitors through with a ‘Pass!’ or denied them entrance with a ‘Portcullis’. We saw the Great Hall and decided who would work in the kitchens and who would sit at the Top Table. Then it was a case of deciding what food would be served and what implements would be used. Lastly we gathered for the knighting of our squire in the atmospheric chapel.
We quickly lunched outside in the sunshine (not forgetting to pay a visit to the all-important shop!) and then it was on to Gloucester Cathedral where we were shown round by Mrs Sarah Law who always manages not only to convey an incredible amount of knowledge but also such enthusiasm for this wonderful building. We saw the different mason marks, the tomb of Edward II, murdered in dubious circumstances at Berkeley Castle, and the incredible stained glass window at the east end of the Cathedral.
It was a fantastic day out, enjoyed by all the Year 7 girls who behaved with impeccable manners and were a credit to the school.
Thank you, Year 7.
Ms Wertheim
