YOUNGSTERS have been learning what is was like to be a Victorian, thanks to a new partnership set up to promote learning at three of Richmond’s heritage locations.

A total of 18 pupils from Arkengarthdale Church of England School visited the Station, Richmond, to take part in the Top Hats, Whistles and Waistcoats session - learning about the history of the railways and how Victorian people lived, worked and played.

Pupils were able to handle original artefacts from the Station’s past, including railway worker’s boots and other items relating to Victorian life in Richmond such as children’s toys and games.

Richmond Cultural Education Partnership (RCEP) has been created thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding linked to the redevelopment of the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, and also includes the Georgian Theatre Royal and the Station.

Arkengarthdale School teacher Anna Brown said: “I chose this workshop as it was local and would enable the children to really capture what life was actually like in their local community during the Victorian era.

“At the same time, they were able to develop their understanding of the railways and how this impacted on life in Richmond at that time, and even today.”

Eight-year-old Isabel Lundberg said: “When we went to the station before it was to go to the cinema, but wearing the Victorian clothes and standing on the platform made us feel as if we were actually Victorian children waiting for a train.”

The lottery grant has also enabled the museum to employ an education manager who will work in partnership with the Station and the Georgian Theatre Royal to create and deliver a joint programme of activity for schools.

Find out more about similar sessions on offer at www.greenhowards.org.uk/learn.