History came to life for Year 8 pupils from Crispin School in Street during a deep dive into Glastonbury's industrial past.

The students visited the Red Brick Building — once part of the Morlands sheepskin works — for a hands-on history day linking their Industrial Revolution studies to Somerset's own leather, peat, cheese and mining industries.

The visit was part of the Morlands and Baily's: Industry and Community in Glastonbury and Street project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Pupils explored maps, letters and old factory magazines, handled boots and artefacts, and learned how oral histories and photos can bring the past to life.

Teacher David Mason told students: "History isn't just about kings and battles — it's about the people, places and stories that built the world right here on our doorstep." Project lead Alison Horgan said many pupils had family ties to the local trades and several of the sources had never been studied before.

Some of the children will return in November to chat with former Morlands workers at the Heritage Café, part of a wider project that runs until 2026 and includes school visits, archive work and community events.

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