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In this clip the presenter describes what living in a Viking longhouse was like. Longhouses were usually made of wood, stone or earth and turf, which kept out the cold better. They had no chimney or windows, so smoke from the open fire drifted out through the roof. Beds and benches lined the walls, and other features included lamps for light, heather bedding, wall hangings and rugs for warmth. In the winter animals slept inside too.

Students could make their own Viking longhouse out of construction toys, art and crafts materials or junk. Their models could be photographed and printed for the students to label and annotate with descriptions for the different parts and their uses.

Alternatively, students could complete a persuasive piece of writing to create a housing advert for a Viking longhouse. In their advert, students could describe all the features of the house and think of ways in which they could convince a Viking to buy it.