In this pack, learners will find out about real people who lived and worked in Bradford in the 1800s, who had a Learning Disability. The pack explores how difficult it can be to find out information about this history and how this history is sometimes hidden. The pack traces the lives of three people and introduces learners to some of the research methods used to uncover their stories. Included are a range of activities to help learners connect with the stories and the wider themes they raise.

This pack was created by Summat Creative, a Bradford based Community Interest Company which co-produces creative and sports projects with people with Learning Disabilities. The stories, artwork and activities are based on their Through The Mill project which took 10 young artists on a journey of discovery about what life was like for mill workers who had a Learning Disability. They worked with an archivist, Tracey Williams, to explore her research – looking at where mill workers lived, how they might have got around, what language was used to describe them and who they lived with.

The pack includes a specially commissioned artwork by artist Phoebe Clarke-Evans.

The ideas from this Story Pack were developed from a project called Through The Mill; you can see more about that project here.

Some of the information in these story packs could feel difficult, upsetting or confusing. The way people with Learning Disabilities were described in the 1800s can feel insulting and different to the way we talk about differences now. There is a section in the pack that specifically explores how language is used and how it has changed.

• Recommended for: Ages 9-14 (Upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 learners) and accessible for learners with SEND
• Includes: Case files / Maps / Discussion prompts / Creative writing activities / History / Research activities / Art activities
• Links to: History / Geography / Local learning / PSHE / English / Art / Media