Introduction

Described as a hidden gem of , Dolaucothi Goldmines is steeped in Roman archaeology and offers a rare insight into the extraction of precious Welsh , going back over two millennia.

Our mining remains, from Roman times to the Victorian period through to the C20th, have many a story to tell.

The information in this document has been put together to help you plan your visit and to ensure you have an enjoyable day in Dolaucothi Gold Mines.

How to book a visit When you have identified a programme you would like to follow and have a date in mind for you visit, please get in touch with the learning team in Dolaucothi Gold Mines who will be happy to help organise your visit. Alternatively if you have any questions about our programmes or wish to discuss adjustments to fit in with your theme of work please contact us.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01558 650809 option 1 or 3 / 01558 825927 Post: Dolaucothi Gold Mines, , , Carmarthenshire. SA19 8US

Educational Group Membership (EGM): Does the school have an educational group membership (EGM)? If so please give us your membership number when filling in the booking form. If not then here’s a link for you to read all about it: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/educational-group-membership If you do not have a membership the cost of entry is £4 per child and £6.50 per adult on a group booking rate.

There is an additional fee of £2pp for the Roman and Victorian underground experience. The Roman Experience

Foundation Phase Key Stage 2 Time and People: Study:  The daily life of people living in the time  Begin to identify differences of the Romans between ways of life at different times Ask and Answer questions:  Use a range of historical sources  What impact did these people have on their environment?

We provide opportunities to experience, investigate, explore and question aspects of the Roman history at Dolaucothi. Pupils will:  Go on a tour with one of our tour guides to investigate and experience the underground workings of a real Roman gold mine.  Handle Roman artefacts and replica on site to learn about the differences in way of life.  Interactive experience of Gold Panning on the mine yard, they’re each given a bag so whatever they find…they keep!

Before your visit:  Please ensure pupils and staff come wearing appropriate clothing and footwear (surfaces may be slippery, wet and dirty). NO sandals or flip flops to be worn.  Risk assessments are available on request.  Access - Due to the steps and general terrain, the Roman Tour is only accessible to able-bodied children; however, we can provide underground access into a later working to wheelchair users or those with difficulty walking. Activities: Activity 1: Tour: An hour long underground tour of the Roman Gold mine, you must be at the kitting up shed at least 15 minutes before the tour starts. Uphill walking and steps required to reach the mines. Activity 2: Handling artefacts: A self – led session in the miners training room, Roman artefacts and replicas will be in the Miners training room for interaction, interpretation and use. Activity 3: Gold Panning: A self – led session, use our pans to try your hand at gold panning – anything you find you can keep. Use the instructions to perfect your technique.

Schedule:

11:00-12:00 12:00-13:00 13:00-13:30 13:30-14:00

A Roman Tour LUNCH Handling Artefacts Gold Panning

B Roman Tour LUNCH Gold Panning Handling Artefacts

The Miner’s training room is yours to use throughout the day for lunch, storage and for the handling activity.

Timings can vary depending on an early/late arrival or based on your self-led timings.

The Victorian Experience

Foundation Phase Historical knowledge and understanding: Time and People:  Identify differences between ways of  Begin to identify differences between life at different times ways of life at different times Historical Enquiry:  Use a range of historical sources  Use a range of historical sources Ask and answer questions:  What was life like for rich and for poor people? Key Stage 2

We provide opportunities to experience, investigate, explore and question aspects of the Victorian history at Dolaucothi. Pupils will:  Go on a tour with one of our tour guides to investigate and experience the underground workings of a Victorian gold mine.  Handle Victorian artefacts and replica on site to learn about the differences in way of life.  Interactive experience of Gold Panning on the mine yard, they’re each given a bag so whatever they find…they keep! Before your visit:  Please ensure pupils and staff come wearing appropriate clothing and footwear (surfaces may be slippery, wet and dirty). NO sandals or flip flops to be worn.  Risk assessments are available on request.  Access - Due to the steps and general terrain, the Victorian Tour is only accessible to able-bodied children; however, we can provide underground access into a later working to wheelchair users or those with difficulty walking.

Activities: Activity 1: Tour: An hour long underground tour of the Victorian Gold mine, you must be at the kitting up shed at least 15 minutes before the tour starts. Uphill walking and steps required to reach the mines.

Activity 2: Handling artefacts: A self – led session in the miners training room, Victorian artefacts and replicas will be in the Miners training room for interaction, interpretation and use.

Activity 3: Gold Panning: A self – led session, use our pans to try your hand at gold panning – anything you find you can keep. Use the instructions to perfect your technique.

Schedule:

11:00-12:00 12:00-13:00 13:00-13:30 13:30-14:00

A Victorian Tour LUNCH Handling Artefacts Gold Panning

B Victorian Tour LUNCH Gold Panning Handling Artefacts

The Miner’s training room is yours to use throughout the day for lunch, storage and for the handling activity.

Timings can vary depending on an early/late arrival or based on your self-led timings.