Children home in on rich history of Van Mansion

PRIMARY school pupils researching an historic local Tudor building have compiled an information leaflet which they will distribute to the public.

The year three class from Cwrt Rawlin Primary School in Caerphilly have taken part in a Welsh Heritage Project titled The Legacy of Van Mansion by 3H.

The Grade II listed Tudor mansion, which has been part of the Caerphilly skyline for over 500 years, can be seen from Cwrt Rawlin Primary School’s car park. It became the focus of their project as it generates among the pupils.

Their investigation into the mansion dug up a rich history of the building, which was first mentioned in 1415 and known as Castell Y Fan or Van Castle.

After initial research the class sent out a questionnaire to staff, parents and pupils to find out how much was known about the historic building.

Information discovered by the class has been put in a leaflet produced by the pupils which outlines the history great interest of the mansion.

Class 3H now plan to visit Caerphilly Castle to set up an information stand to speak to the public about their findings, share their work and distribute leaflets. The leaflet has also been published online on the People’s Collection Wales.

Head teacher Tara Lloyd said: “Thank you to class 3H for their continued hard work in producing such a fantastic leaflet on Van Mansion, as well as class teacher Mrs Hopkin for supporting the pupils throughout. The project has enabled the class to make links in their local community and share knowledge, as well as using ICT to aid their learning”.

The primary pupils had help from the clerk to Van Community Council, the owner of Van Mansion, Caerphilly Castle, CADW, Cardiff Residential Estates, Caerphilly Local History Society, Caerphilly Local History, People’s Collection Wales and Caerphilly Communications team.