Historical Sources A historical source is something that tells us about history. It may be a document, a picture, a sound recording, a book, a cinema film, a television program or an object. There are two main types of historical source: Primary Sources and Secondary Sources A Primary source is something that originates from the past. A Secondary source is something that has been made recently about the past. For Example: A Roman coin that was made by the Romans is a Primary Source, but a drawing of a Roman coin made in 2003 would be a Secondary Source. OR A Book written about the Tudors in 1525 would be a Primary Source, but a book written about the Tudors in 1995 would be a Secondary Source.

Questions to ask of a source WHO? WHERE? WHAT? WHEN? HOW? WHY?

WHO? For Example: WHO made it? WHO used it? WHO is in the picture? WHOSE opinion does it show? Who made it? The Romans in AD 45 Who used it? The Romans Who is in the picture? The head on the coins show who was emperor. Roman coins made by the Romans in AD 45

WHAT? For Example: WHAT is it? WHAT is it for? WHAT does it say? WHAT was it used for? WHAT does it show? What is it? It is a book about the Tudors. What is it for? It is for people to read/ find out about the Tudors. What was it used for? It is still being used. What does it show? It shows that people are interested in the Tudors. A book about the Tudors written in 1999.

WHEN? For Example: WHEN was it made? WHEN was it used? WHEN does it show? When was it made? It was made in 1215 When was it used? It was used in 1215 to force King John to grant concessions to the barons. When does it show? It shows the feelings of the barons in A piece of the original Magna Charta signed by King John in 1215

HOW? For Example: HOW was it made? HOW was it used? How has it survived? How was it made? It was made in a factory – there may be a stamp on the base of the mug that gives details of the factory or potter. How was it used? It was/is used for people to drink hot beverages from. How has it survived? It has survived because it was made this year. A mug made in 2005

WHERE? For Example: WHERE is it? WHERE was it? WHERE was it made? WHERE was it used? Where is it? It is in the Louvre art gallery, Paris. Where was it? It was in Italy. It is now in the Louvre gallery, Paris Where was it made? It was made in Italy by Leonardo da Vinci. Where was it used? It was used to hang on a wall for decoration. The Mona Lisa - Painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506

WHY? For Example: WHY was it made? WHY has it survived? Why was it made? Because people like Van Gogh paintings and because there is only one original painting; posters like this enable many people to see art. Why has it survived? It has survived because it is fairly new and has been looked after. A poster of a Van Gogh painting made in 1985