This History video introduces Key Stage 2 pupils to the impact of the plague in medieval and Tudor England and the unusual treatments people used before modern medicine. Pupils learn about plague doctors’ distinctive outfits, including waxed robes and bird-like masks filled with herbs, and explore remedies such as flowers on windowsills, sweet-smelling spices, blood-sucking leeches and crushed emeralds. The video shows how people did their best with the knowledge they had and helps pupils understand how beliefs about illness have changed, highlighting the importance of science and medical discovery today.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History Year 3 and 4 videos, which enable teachers and pupils to explore the past and understand how it has shaped the world today.

See more of our Key stage 2 History scheme of work.

• History, Year 4, How have children’s lives changed? Lesson 6: What were the diseases children caught and how were they treated?
• History, Year 4, How have children’s lives changed?
• History, Y3/4 (B), How have children’s lives changed? Lesson 6: What were the diseases children caught and how were they treated?
• History, Y3/4 (B), How have children’s lives changed?