Fun in the Files

Part One

Look at the mystery document very carefully and think about what you can see. You might like to discuss your ideas with your helper, or print out the document to circle details as you spot them.

Here are a few questions to think about:

• Who can you see in this document?
• What are they doing?
• What do you notice about their appearance? How are they dressed?
• What about their expressions? How do you think they’re feeling?
• What type of document is this?
• When do you think it dates from?

Part Two

So far, you’ve worked like a true history detective, investigating our first photograph and collecting lots of evidence. Now, look closely at our second photograph, which was taken the same day, to gather more evidence. Use this evidence to suggest some ideas about what the crowd is watching.

Remember that these two documents are linked, and a bit like two sides of a coin- making links between them will help you to unlock the mystery!

Part Three

Time to find out what this document is, and what’s happening here. How does it show people having fun?

To see the Rota in action, take a look at the video below:

(Please note, we advise that you watch this clip from the beginning to 1.55 to see the Rota in action. Please be aware that some of the language used in this film is of its time and The National Archives do not support all of its content.
Also, this video is hosted by British Pathe and not The National Archives and may include advertising that has not been vetted for children.)

Find out more about fun in the past using the follow-up activities on this webpage.

Additional documents to investigate:

Take a look at the documents and use the questions to investigate them.

• What links these two documents together?

Follow-up activities

• Ask your helper about what they enjoyed watching when they were your age. You might like to interview them, and you could then ask them to interview you! Think about what you love to watch. Why do you enjoy it so much?
• Both the Rota and the 3D cinema were ways in which new technology allowed people to have fun. Imagine that your job is to design a brand new form of entertainment today, using our latest technology. What would it look like? Create an advertisement to let everybody know about your incredible new idea! You could create a storyboard for a TV ad, or even a video!

Share your work with us by email or tweet us using our hashtag, #TimeTravelTV.