All Historical mock trials take place in our imposing Victorian Civil Court Room. Upon booking a mock trial you will receive background information to the trial, character information and a script. In order for your students to gain the most out of their experience it is highly recommended that preparation for the mock trial is carried out before the visit.

For further information please see Visit Practicalities

For Mock Trials marked with an asterisk objects relating to the trial will be shown to the students at the end of the trial and offered to handle them.

We have provided a suggested key stage each trial is suited to from feedback from schools who have visited.

Privateer or Pirate? (The Tudors)

This new conceptual mock trial looks at the traditionally perceived Tudor heroes in a new light. Did patriotic privateers such as Sir Francis Drake pilfer from the Spanish ships he fought against for personal gains or for the glory of the Elizabeth I’s England? Not only will your students engage with Tudor history but will also learn about the law and engage in an interesting citizenship discussion about the values and morals of these privateers. This is mostly suited to KS3 students.

Daniel Diggle (The Luddites)*

Daniel Diggle was tried for the Luddite riots in 1817. Allow your students to re-enact his trial in our Victorian Court Room as the court officials, witnesses, the jury and Daniel himself. Will your group find him guilty or not guilty? This is mostly suited to KS3 students.

Valentine Marshall (The Reform Bill Riots)*

Valentine Marshall was incarcerated in the County Gaol for his involvement in the Reform Bill Riots of 1832. He was transported to Australia, worked his time and given his freedom in the new world. In this mock trial will your students find Valentine guilty or not guilty and what sentence would they pass if found guilty? Assign your students roles within the court room and watch them act out this lively trial. This is mostly suited to KS3 students.

Richardson, Rathbone and Parker (The Suffragettes)*

Based on the trial of three suffragettes’ non-violent protest, the trial of Richardson, Rathbone and Parker introduces your students to the history of the votes for women movement and the citizenship issues surrounding protest and the right to vote. Your students will be given the opportunity to re-enact the trial as court officials, witnesses, defendants and the jury. This is mostly suited to KS3 and KS4 students.

Mary Davies (Georgian Servant)*

This trial addresses imbalances in the Georgian society. Mary Davies, a servant was accused of stealing from her employer. Your students are offered the chance to re-enact this trial to view the case from the point of view of the Georgian society and in light of today’s society. They will engage with history and make connections between the past and present rules of law and the courts. This is mostly suited to KS3 and KS4 students.

William Saville (Capital Punishment)*

This is a conceptual trial in which capital punishment is put on trial sparked by the real case of William Saville who was publicly hanged for murdering his wife and children in 1844. Your students will take on characters arguing for capital punishment to be reinstated or to remain outlawed. It is up to the jury to decide based on the evidence presented. This is mostly suited to KS4 and KS5 students.

Blazing Car Murder (1930s murder case)

The year is 1930. A car has been found burned out and the owner has mysteriously disappeared. Your students are given the evidence, the structure of a trial and our Victorian Court Room to find out what happened and who was to blame. This mock trial needs to be prepared before the visit. This is mostly suited to KS4 and KS5 students.