School kids making biscuits.

The Journey of a Biscuit: Reading and the Wider World

Onsite: £100 (1.5 hour session)

From the 19th century, biscuit-maker Huntley & Palmers was one of Reading’s most important employers. Its biscuits put the town on the map.

This session will be an opportunity for students to learn where the ingredients that made Huntley & Palmers biscuits came from. Students will draw on museum collections to explore the journey of those ingredients in a workshop which will highlight the role of rural and global communities in British food production, as well as unearthing the hidden stories of the people who made the biscuits.

Notes for teachers

  • Key Stage 2
  • Hands on opportunities for students to explore the ingredients which made the Huntley & Palmers biscuits
  • Investigate real objects from the period
  • Students to be inspired by the life stories of those with Huntley & Palmers connections in Reading and beyond

History

  • A local history study
  • A study of an aspect of history or a site that is significant in the locality

Geography

  • Extend students’ knowledge and understanding beyond the local area
  • Use maps to locate countries

Overview

  • Introduces students to The Museum of English Rural Life and the University’s special collections
  • Demonstrates Reading’s rural and global connections and food links

What industries have put Reading on the map?

Bookings and Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact us on merlevents@reading.ac.uk or call us on 0118 378 8660. To book, please use the form below, or feel free to email or call.