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Civil War Educators' Hub

KS2, KS3, KS4 & KS5 - British civil war resources

Free and open resources for everyone teaching the history of the British & Irish Civil Wars

What you will find...

First phase of the largest and most comprehensive educational resource for schools - focussed on the British and Irish civil wars of the 17th century - which has been created by The World Turned Upside Down and the National Civil War Centre, with academic leadership from The Department for Continuing Education at the University of Oxford.

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  • Worksheets

  • Podcasts

  • Links

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Civil War Petitions
  • KS3
  • Activity

Survivors of the English Civil War

Using Civil War Petitions for teaching Key Stage 3 History

The English Civil War broke out in 1642 between the supporters of King Charles I and Parliament. Before the war, they had argued over religious policy, foreign policy and taxation….

  • Link
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Literacy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis

2. Reading

Constable Jane Kitchen's Account

Find Constable Jane Kitchen’s Account for Upton, 1644 in the book or on the worksheet and answer questions about the account on the worksheet.

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS2
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • Activity
  • Speaking & Listening
  • World building

1. Roleplay

Division in Newark

What role did Newark play in the First Civil War? How does this connect to division? Conduct online research in small groups. Consider key battles/sieges and whether it was Royalist…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • STAR

1. Research/Debate/STAR Model

The Irish Rebellion

Research: How does the Irish Rebellion continue to be remembered today? Conduct online research in small groups. Consider examples like folk songs and murals. Class Debate: What caused the Irish…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • Speaking & Listening

1. Research and Discussion

Anti-Royalist Propaganda

In small groups, conduct online research into anti-Royalist propaganda during the Civil Wars, including Prince Rupert’s dog. Discuss: Was the propaganda surrounding Prince Rupert meant as satire, or does it…

  • Powerpoint
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • Reading
  • Source analysis

1. Reading

Warwickshire Loss Accounts

Using the book, the Object Information Sheet and the National Civil War Centre’s online archives, find the Warwickshire Loss Accounts and explore anything you find notable or interesting. Using your…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS2
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • Explore
  • Reading
  • STAR

1. Analysis and Research

Hussey's Armour

Take a closer look at Hussey’s armour. What do you think are the strong and weak points of the armour?  What happened to John Hussey? Conduct online research in small…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

Although a modern translation of the text of John Cornelius’s petition is available, the more advanced nature of this source might make it more suitable for Key Stage 5 students.

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Teachers' Notes

See, Think, Ask, Research

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Reading
  • Writing

1. Classifying Key Features of the Elizabethan Church

Students classify whether the following features of the Elizabethan Church are Catholic or Protestant to help them understand the foundations of religious difference.

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Reading
  • Source analysis

2. Letter Writing

Letters from Opposing Sides

Read the letter between Sir William Waller and Sir Ralph Hopton, and make note of anything that surprises you. Discuss what role human relationships might have played during the Civil…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Writing

1. Source Analysis/Reading and Writing

Women's Self Fashioning in Civil War Petition

Students can use the source worksheet to examine Lady Brooke’s petition to the King and compare it with that of ordinary war widows such as Mary Burnham of Steeple Bumpsted,…

  • Link
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Literacy
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Writing

1. Research Activity

Soldiers and Weapons in the Civil War

Find out more about the life and weapons of soldiers in the Civil War using these PowerPoint presentations, videos, and teacher guides. Students can then, using the Fact Sheets on…

  • Link
  • Powerpoint
  • Video
  • Worksheet
1. Siege Challenge Activity
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • World building

1. Siege Challenge Activity

Plan an Attack on Basing House

Students plan a strategic attack on a fortress (Basing House) by managing five key siege challenges (including cost, timing, manpower).

  • Powerpoint
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Literacy
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening
  • World building
  • Writing

1. Source Analysis/Role Play

Civil War Petitions - 'The wounded and the widowed'

Students follow a staged booklet to learn how historians read and assess the value of the Civil War petitions as a primary source source, culminating in a roleplay trial. The…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Teachers' Notes
  • Writing

1. Image Analysis/Debate

Cromwell's Legacy - Controversial Statues

Students analyse various Cromwell statues and their context to discuss how his public image evolved. Class debate on whether statues of Cromwell or other controversial historical figures should remain. 

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Reading
  • Writing

1. Research Activity

Soldiers' injuries and treatment for wounds

Students research and answer questions on the top 5 gory wounds and the surgeons who performed battlefield treatments (suitable for KS3). Analyse Professor Rutherford’s blog to evaluate how recent research…

  • Link
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • Activity
  • Teachers' Notes
  • World building
  • Writing

3. Letter Writing

Civilian Life

Civilians’ lives were greatly impacted by the war. List out the different ways a civilian’s life might be affected by the ongoing civil war. Some civilians were affected even though…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening

2. STAR Model/Discussion

Witchcraft Beliefs

In pairs or small groups, look at other examples of witchcraft beliefs at the time on the worksheet, including the Bellarmine jug and the Ghost of Oliver Cromwell. Conduct See,…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS2
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • World building

2. Design Your Own Armour

In pairs or small groups, design armour for a peasant, imagining their limited resources. Use the soldier outlines from the worksheet. Now design armour for a commander who would have…

  • Worksheet
2. Create a pre or post Reformation Church in your classroom
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • World building

2. Create a pre or post Reformation Church in your classroom

Create a pre or post Reformation Church in your classroom

Students physically or visually model the differences between churches before and after the Laudian reforms. Classroom posters are attached to help you in this task. Puritan Worship Space: Clear the…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Reading
  • Writing

2. Source Analysis

Civil War Petitions - Disability and Agency

This worksheet asks students to analyse the civil war petitions from disabled soldiers and their families and to consider what kinds of disabilities they lived with and what disability aids were available…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Teachers' Notes
  • World building

2. Source Analysis

Propaganda

In pairs or small groups, students discuss with partners what types of propaganda they are aware of. These may be historical or current forms of propaganda. Students conduct source analysis…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Literacy
  • Oracy
  • Speaking & Listening
  • World building

2. British Civil Wars and the Wider World

John Cornelius’s decision to flee to Barbados during the Interregnum underscores the intertwining of the British Civil Wars and the expanding Empire. A worksheet with key questions and contextual reading…

  • Link
  • Video
  • Worksheet
2. Research Project on Sieges
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Writing

2. Research Project on Sieges

Students research topics like local sieges, effectiveness of Parliamentarians vs. Royalists, the role of women in sieges, and the impact of violence on civilian populations (suitable for group presentations) using…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening

2. Research/Presentation

The Significance of Women in the Civil War

Students research an important woman from the Civil War period and prepare a class presentation where they speak on behalf of their character, explaining why their role was so significant…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Oracy
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity

2. Debate: Scottish Involvement in the Civil Wars

Debate Question: To what extent was the Scottish alliance the single most important reason for the Parliamentarian victory in the Civil Wars?

Prepare arguments both for and against this motion. This Royal Holloway video gives excellent context for the Bishops’ Wars and Scottish involvement in the English Civil Wars. For: Focus on…

  • Video
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Literacy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Teachers' Notes
  • Writing

2. Image Analysis

Cromwell's Portrait Propaganda

This worksheet examines how Cromwell wished to be portrayed at various times. How was portraiture used as a form of propaganda by him?

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Source analysis
  • Teachers' Notes
  • Writing

3. Source Analysis/Writing

Comparing Propaganda from the Irish Rebellion

Look at the propaganda images from the Irish Rebellion of 1641 on the worksheet. How do you think this compares to the anti-Royalist propaganda? Note down any similarities or differences you identify….

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Suggested Activity
  • World building

3. Design your own Poesy Ring

Look at the Poesy Ring in the book and use this as a reference. Design your own Poesy Ring with decoration and a phrase of your own choosing. If you…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS2
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Speaking & Listening
  • World building

3. Discussion

Armour for the Rich and Poor

Watch the Royal Armouries Youtube video on the different types of armour used during the Civil War. Note down any key information. Discuss with a partner how the differences in armouring might…

  • Video
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS2
  • KS3
  • Activity
  • Suggested Activity
  • Teachers' Notes
  • World building

4. Writing/Discussion

Your View - What would you be prepared to give up?

List the ten most important things in your life. This may be your phone, a sentimental item, your pets or your family. Consider your list. If you were living during…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • STAR
  • Suggested Activity

3. STAR Model

Comparing Military Technology

Choose another Civil War weapon from the Civil War in 100 Objects book (Irish Skein, Mortuary Sword, Matchlock Musket) and use the STAR Model (See, Think, Ask, Research) to analyse…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Class Debate
  • Literacy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity

3. Discussion/Source Analysis

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are several petitions on the Civil War Petitions website that demonstrate the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Civil War soldiers. Use these alongside Ismini Pells’s blog to…

  • Link
  • Podcast
3. Source Analysis and Writing Task
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Literacy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • World building
  • Writing

3. Source Analysis and Writing Task

Lady Brilliana Harley's Siege Letters

Students explore Lady Brilliana Harley’s letters in this activity and analyse how sieges impacted the lives of civilians. Lady Brilliana was a Puritan gentlewoman left in charge of Brampton Bryan…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity
  • Teachers' Notes

3. Source Analysis

The Irish Depositions of 1641

Source analysis of the Deposition of John Robinson.

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Reading

3. Discussion

Trauma and Command Bonds

Students take part in a discussion on how senior Parliamentarian commanders (Cromwell and Fairfax) developed an intense bond with their soldiers due to shared experiences of trauma (KS3). At KS4/5…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Class Debate
  • Oracy
  • Persuasive writing
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Teachers' Notes
  • World building
  • Writing

3. Roleplay/Writing Exercise

Laudian and Puritan Perspectives

Students adopt the persona of either William Laud or a Puritan opponent to write persuasive arguments for or against the reforms. Option A (Writing): Choose one side and write a…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Source analysis

3. Image Analysis

Representations of Charles I

This worksheet explores artistic depictions of Charles I to understand how the Royalists portrayed him after his death through the Eikon Basilke frontispiece and the royal skullcap.

  • Link
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Reading
  • Teachers' Notes
  • Writing

4. Reading/Writing

Battles

Read the supporting text “9 Battles of the Civil War” and note down any key information. For each battle, using your knowledge from the previous tasks, note down what kind…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Persuasive writing
  • Reading

4. Reading and Writing/Discussion

The impact of the printing press

Using the supporting text on the worksheet, learn the context behind the development of the printing press and how it changed English society during the Reformation. Discussion: Using your knowledge of…

  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity

4. Research/Discussion

Sir William Waller and Sir Ralph Hopton

Using the letters from the Letters from Opposing Sides activity, conduct some research into Sir William Waller and Sir Ralph Hopton. Discussion: How do you think friends who were so…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • STAR
  • Source analysis
  • Suggested Activity

4. STAR Model

Iconoclasm and Rituals

Students use the STAR model to compare other objects related to religious conflict. This could include examining examples of Puritan iconoclasm in the Civil War in 100 Objects book (such…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • STAR

4. STAR Model

Newark Sieges Pieces

Students can use the STAR model to analyse the Newark siege pieces and explore what this reveals to us about the financial and social costs of civil war.

  • Link
  • Worksheet
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Class Debate
  • Explore
  • Literacy
  • Oracy
  • Reading
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity
  • Writing

4. Debate/Research

Fairfax's Historical Reputation

Research the life and career of Sir Thomas Fairfax and consider how his reputation has been overshadowed by Oliver Cromwell. Listen to Professor Andrew Hopper’s podcast for a balanced view….

  • Podcast
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Class Debate
  • Suggested Activity

4. Research Task

Female Irish Rebels (Viragos)

Trial of the viragos. What does this say about gender norms in Ireland and about depictions of the Irish? How does this compare with the portrayal of Leveller women?
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • Literacy
  • Oracy
  • Source analysis
  • Speaking & Listening
  • Suggested Activity
  • Writing

4. Research

Local History Project on the Civil War Petitions

Use the vast digital archives of the Civil War Petitions website to undertake a focused local study (also suitable for a non-examined Assessment or extended essay). Methodology: Use the Yorkshire…
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Explore
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Suggested Activity

3. Source Analysis

Propaganda and Gender Roles

Examine the National Archives sources below, paying particular attention to The Parliament of Women pamphlet. This source shows how Royalist pamphleteers portrayed Parliamentarian women as ‘unwomanly’ and domineering to discredit…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Explore
  • Reading

4. Discussion

Cromwell's Afterlife - What Happened to his Body?

Use the Cromwell Association’s article on what happened to Cromwell’s body to fuel a discussion: Given Cromwell’s claims about rejecting the trappings of power, why did he receive a grand…

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Suggested Activity

5. STAR Model

Other Linked Objects - Civil War Soldiers

You can find out more about the life of a Civil War soldier through the activity on John Hussey’s armour or John Cornelius’ petition.

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity

5. Activities on the Loss Accounts, Studley, 1646

See the linked activities on this website, which examine the Loss Accounts, Studley, 1646, which reveal  the financial and physical costs of the war on ordinary people.

  • Link
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS3
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Class Debate
  • STAR
  • Suggested Activity

5. STAR Model/Debate

Comparing Weapons

Compare the Irish skein with other swords e.g; mortuary and ferrara swords. Students could use the STAR model worksheet to support them in this task.
The British Civil Wars in 12 Objects
  • KS4
  • KS5
  • Activity
  • Literacy
  • Reading
  • Source analysis
  • Suggested Activity

4. Source Analysis

Women's Role in the English Civil Wars

Analyse relevant primary sources in the Civil War in 100 Objects book (e.g., Lady Isabella Twysden’s almanac or Lady Brilliana Harvey’s secret letter) and consider the role that women played…

  • Worksheet

Meetings

LATEST MEETING

Wednesday 3 July 2024

National Civil War Centre at Newark Museum

On the theme of the local/regional study, e.g. that is embedded in KS2 and KS3 and in OCR’s KS4 ‘History Around Us’.
View meeting
CWEN Meeting Minutes 20 Oct 2023_Page_1

Inaugural Meeting of the Civil War Educators’ Network

Department for Continuing Education, Rewley House, 20 October 2023

View meeting

Resources

Civil War Petitions contains educational resources, lesson plans and handouts that have been tailored for teaching at different levels. They are currently adding to these, including developing materials for A Level, so do keep checking back to see what is new.

Children in the CW image

Key Stage 3 History

Survivors of the English Civil War

Using Civil War Petitions for teaching Key Stage 3 History

Rory-McCreadie-II

GCSE History ‘Medicine through Time’

Renaissance Medicine in the English Civil Wars

Using Civil War Petitions for teaching GCSE Medicine Through Time

www.civilwarpetitions.ac.uk
Download printout

Members

Dr. Paul Bracey

Primary History Consultant/ Member of Historical Association Primary Committee/ Editorial Board

Email here

Chloe Coleman

Formal Learning Manager at Royal Armouries Museums

Email here

Denise Greany

Contributing Education Editor, Learning and Participation Officer at The National Civil War Centre

Read bio

Andrew Hopper

Professor of Local and Social History in the Department for Continuing Education at the University of Oxford

Read bio

Gillian Johnston

Education Outreach Officer, Newcastle University Library

Email here

Ismini Pells

Project manager of the Civil War Petitions Project

Read bio

Stephen Roberts

Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Historical Society and the Learned Society of Wales

Read bio