Teacher's Notes

This resource was created by Leeds Museums and Galleries, Abbey House Museum.

This resource explores historic links between foodstuffs and the British Empire.

KS2 History: Changes within living memory (diet, trade links)
KS2 Geography: Locational knowledge, trade links, distribution of natural resources
KS3 History: Ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain 1745-1901
KS3 Geography: International development, economic activity and use of natural resources

Choose a manufactured product – it could be a chocolate bar, a biscuit or anything that has multiple ingredients.
- Research where each ingredient is farmed in the world and mark these on a map.
- How many countries might have contributed to that one product?
- Which product takes the most amount of air-miles to reach our shops?
- Which product takes the least?
List 5 of your favourite foods.
- How many have ingredients from other countries?

During WW1, non-essential food products such as chocolate, Yorkshire Relish and tea were sent at great expense to British soldiers fighting all around the world.
- Why do you think this was done?
- Is there a food item that you always take with you (or would do) when travelling?
Which foods do we eat today that travel a long way?
Which foods associated with your local area aren't really very local?
How does food travel around the world today?
Which foods are grown and produced in the UK?