English, Drama & Performing Arts France

English Literature in the Somme

from £370pp

Based on 4 days

Suitable for Secondary Schools

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Overview

The first world war was an incredibly important event in modern history which has greatly influenced English literature. From poetry to dramas to written prose, life at war has innovated some of the most moving pieces of work written. A key event during the war was the Battle of the Somme, which singlehandedly influenced several texts, including engaging first-hand accounts. Life at war is complicated and difficult to imagine for those reading its descriptions today. Seeing the scars left behind from this war can open eyes and minds to the reality of life in the trenches, and life for those missing the Missing.

You’ll be able to: visit key areas from the Battle of the Somme, explore engaging and interactive museums, and walk the last steps of Wilfred Owen, starting in a museum dedicated to his poetry where he resided days before his death.

This itinerary has links to GCSE and A-Level English Literature syllabuses. Cross-curricular syllabus links include GCSE and A-Level History curriculums.

Our Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Channel crossing from Dover to Calais.

Transfer to your accommodation.

Enjoy a meal with your group to start off your trip!
Day 2

Head on a guided tour of the Somme's most well-known sites, as well as some off-the-beaten track visits.

You’ll first stop at Newfoundland Park Memorial, remembering the Canadian soldiers who fought in World War 1, stopping at the Carabou Memorial to the Missing. You’ll then stop at Thiepval Memorial, a humbling memorial to more than 72,000 missing soldiers. Your final stop is at the Rancourt French War Cemetery. A strategic location during the war, Rancourt is now the largest French Cemetery in the region.

You'll then go underground into the Somme 1916 Museum. In this dugout network reconstruction, there is an extensive collection of artefacts as well as figures showing day-to-day life in the trenches as well as scenes of medicine on the front line.

Finish your day with a visit to the Biscuiterie du Coquelicot in Albert. You'll be able to shop for souvenirs and try some local products made from the flower of hope.
Day 3

This morning will begin with a visit to the Historial de la Grand Guerre. This museum focuses on French, British and German soldiers’ history. Looking at the daily lives in the trenches, it focuses on artist-warriors who left behind descriptions we can still look to as reliable sources.

You’ll then continue your Somme tour from yesterday by exploring Devonshire Cemetery, and Delville Wood. Devonshire Cemetery was built on land captured by the Devonshire regiment on the first day of the Somme, and Delville Wood was the place of the first major engagement by the South African Infantry Brigade in 1916!

You’ll then head to Wellington Quarry, underground barracks which housed up to 24,000 soldiers and held its own hospital.

Next, it is time to spend some a moment of reflection floating down the Somme in a traditional boat among the 'hortillonages'.

You’ll then head to Amiens for leisure time and dinner. By spending some time here, you can gauge the stark contrast between life in this quaint, colourful city to life in the trenches.
Day 4

Your final day in France begins by following in Wilfred Owen’s final steps. You will begin by exploring the Forest House. This house was the location of his final letter to his mother as he was stationed here shortly before his death. Today, it is a museum dedicated to Owen and his poetry with readings throughout the hour.

You’ll then move on to Sambre Canal, where Owen, along with thousands of other soldiers, died on 4^th November 1918, only 7 days before the war was officially over. Owen was last seen crossing this canal on a raft under heavy gunfire.

Finally, you will visit Ors Cemetery, where several soldiers are buried, including Wilfred Owen. You can take some time to reflect here.

Crossing back to UK from Calais.