Download PDF pack

You can download the entire pack for free as one big PDF file, or several smaller files, below, including a Welsh version of the activity sheets. 

Please note that images will not reproduce at highest quality in these PDF files. You can order a FREE hard copy printed pack by emailing your name and school address to info@postalheritage.org.uk 

Please let us know what you think of the pack using our evaluation form (Word file, 200KB).

Download the complete The Penny Black Changed the World pack

The Penny Black Changed the World (complete pack) (PDF, 2MB)

Download activity sheets in Welsh

Activity sheets (Welsh) (PDF, 2.4MB)

Download timeline & facsimile archive documents

Timeline (PDF, 650KB)

These full colour facsimile archive documents are to use with the Activity Sheets within the pack:
Facsimile documents (PDF, 1.2MB)

Download by theme

You can also download the pack in sections by theme, which may be easier on a slower computer:

Introduction, contents, glossary & curriculum links (PDF, 380KB)


Theme 1 - Using Evidence (PDF, 240KB)
The objective for this theme is for pupils to find out about and interpret different sources of historical evidence. These include pictures, photographs and a range of artefacts including stamps, envelopes and letters.

Theme 2 - Rowland Hill (PDF, 200KB)
The objective of this theme is to understand that the work of individuals can change aspects of society. Rowland Hill was an important figure in Victorian times, and this theme uses him as an example for studying a prominent individual.

Theme 3 The Penny Black (PDF, 450KB)
Pupils learn to identify and describe reasons for, and results of, historical events, situations and changes which occurred related to the Penny Black. This theme shows how one seemingly small thing can have a profound historical impact.

Theme 4 - Communication & Transportation (PDF, 490KB)
In this theme pupils can learn about how places are linked to other places, and characteristic features of Victorian transport and industry. This theme also introduces thinking about human rights issues in relation to the British Empire.

Theme 5 - Victorian Innovations (PDF, 270KB)
This theme is for pupils find out about Victorian postal inventions, especially letter boxes and pillar boxes. The objective is to recognise that people had different opinions about changes in the past, and to write a persuasive argument based on historical evidence.

Theme 6 - Did the Penny Black change the world? (PDF, 400KB)
This final them brings togetehr much of the learning from throughout the pack. Pupils will learn to make comparisons that illustrate change within the Victorian period, and to give reasons for these changes. They will be able to develop interpretation skills and to present their findings in different ways.