In this unit, children are introduced to an enquiry-based approach to a local study. It is best to focus on an aspect of the local community in the immediate locality.
Children compare two or three periods of time. The Mackintosh history began in the Victorian period, flourished in the Edwardian period and rose to national prominence for supporting the war effort both in the First World War during the reign of George V as well as in the Second World War during the reign of George the VI.
It might also be part of a field visit.
The Mackintosh homes, Albert Promenade. across from CrossleyHeathSchool .The 12 cottages were designed for Violet Mackintosh who built and endowed them in memory of her husband. The homes were originally or married couples aged over 60, and ex-employees of Mackintosh, and members of the congregation of Queens Road United Methodist Church. The church has been demolished but was where Bibby’s Engineering now stands, next to the Queens Road Community Centre. The homes were opened by J.H.Whitley on 1st January 1925.
Queens Road Factory
The business that had started in a small Pastry Shop at 53 King Cross Street(demolished in 1969) in 1890 became too small as it grew into asmall manufacturing business. Its first home was in a warehouse in Bond Street, Halifax. This was in 1894. The following year the business was removed to larger premises in Hope Street, the top floor of which was rented. Trade continued to increase and in 1899 the factory in Queen’s Road was built. It was destroyed in 1909 but rebuilt soon afterwards.
Greystones- the former home of John and Violet Mackintosh was built around 1900, making it very late Victorian or early Edwardian. The Edwardian period refers to the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910.
Other areas to look at can include conservation, local identity and social responsibility.
For example, you can learn about the social responsibility shown by Mackintosh’s towards workers. What did the firm do for its workers?
