This course is for young people aged between 16 and 18 years old who are interested in history.
Travel back in time on our history camp as we take you on a journey through the history of Shropshire.

Are you considering studying history at university? Do you want to enrich your experience and explore some of the possible career pathways?
History camp will encourage participants to consider all four forms of historical evidence as they visit some of Shropshire’s most historically important locations.

Visit the market town of Shrewsbury where Charles Darwin was born. Discover how his childhood spent here, helped him develop his love and passion for the natural world. His origins are deep rooted in Shropshire and to this day there are reminders of his life spent here.

This course is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.

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We will also take a trip to Shrewsbury Castle, a red brick Norman fortress founded in c1070. The castle was created as a base, close to the Welsh border for Roger de Montgomery, the Earl of Shrewsbury.

Explore the birthplace of the industrial revolution, The UNESCO World Heritage site, Ironbridge Gorge. We take you back to the 18th century to discover how Coalbrookdale became the first place to utilise coal to smelt iron. You’ll also explore the gorge from the River Severn aboard canoes, giving you great access to wildlife and to experience what was once one of the busiest rivers in the country.

We will also be testing your knowledge throughout the week with history-themed quizzes, a movie-making challenge and will enjoy evenings outdoors building campfires.

An important element of the week will be hearing from a local professional with career advice and top tips on career pathways for budding historians.

Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications.

Here are some of the transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:

  • Communicating with others
  • Working as a team
  • Managing your time
  • Taking the lead
  • Reliability
  • Decision making

We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking. 

If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.

When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.

See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

 

Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.

Example Timetable

Example Timetable

Monday

Arrival 12pm

Welcome at Preston Montford and Introduction. There will be a site tour and icebreakers/team-building activities.

Evening:

Short course orienteering which will be themed around Charles Darwin

Tuesday

Morning

A trip to Ironbridge to study its industrial heritage. You will visit the remains of a blast furnace and study the famous ‘Ironbridge’ itself. Activities will include photography and sketching too.

Canoeing activity on the River Severn in Ironbridge.

Evening

History themed quiz

Wednesday

Morning

A trip to Shrewsbury, a medieval town and birthplace of Charles Darwin. Visit to the Museum and Castle.

Afternoon

Visit to the recently restored Flaxmill. An 18th century structure of iron-frame construction.

Evening

Movie making (create your own stop motion or live-action history-themed performance)

Thursday

Morning

Local castle tour (Stokesay, Powys or Chirk Castle)

Evening

Campfire and end of course celebration for the last night.

Friday

Morning

Create a presentation of what you have learned and your findings/bury a time capsule within Preston Montford’s grounds.

Afternoon

Visit from a local Historian/Archaeologist explaining career prospects and pathways.

Depart 3pm

Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • In Course Transport
  • Picnic Lunch

Before You Attend

What to Bring

  • Boots or wellingtons
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
  • Wash kit
  • Suitable clothing for the time of year
  • Small day rucksack
  • Head torch
  • Water bottle and lunch box

This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending. 

We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking.

If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.

When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Mon 21, April 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, April 2025 15:00

    This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending. 

    Location
    Preston Montford
    Price
    £428.00
    Tutor
    Field Studies Council Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 27, October 2025 12:00 - Fri 31, October 2025 15:00

    This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending. 

    Location
    Preston Montford
    Price
    £428.00
    Tutor
    Field Studies Council Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item