The Mystery

12 minutes
Color
Recommended audience age range 8-14

The Mystery is about investigating ruined buildings, asking questions, making a detailed record of the evidence and attempting to reach conclusions. Looking for the evidence from the past can be carried out in much the same way as the police work, collecting evidence for a crime. Here Sally and Gavin, young archaeological detectives, tackle the mystery of Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk, England, aided by a team of local police. Their first task is to get an idea of the site's size and complexity. Where is the entrance? They have to discover by observation and questioning whether the buildings they are examining were ever lived in. What are the clues - fireplaces, stairs, upper floors? What sort of people lived there? The police detectives help Sally and Gavin take an accurate record of the `scene.' At police headquarters they continue their investigations. Armed with photographs, notes and a plan of the site, they continue to question the evidence and compare it with what they find in reference books and other records. An exciting and fast-moving documentary which will help children develop skills of observation and encourage questioning before they visit an ancient site or building - the ideas presented here can be applied to any site or group of buildings from any period in the past.

Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk, England

Director/Writer
Patrick Redsell

Presenter/Narrator
Mike Corbishley

English Heritage

© 1998-2008 The Roland Collection & Pira Intl.