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The British Empire
The British Empire is a contentious period of history that is coming under increasing amounts of scrutiny. As a key subject for your Key Stage 3 pupils study of ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901 section of the National Curriculum and substantial portion of AQA, OCR and Edexcel GCSE specifications, the importance of this topic cannot be overstated.
Online Learning Resource
GCSE, KS3, KS4
FREE
Resource Information
We have designed the resources below to help your pupils learn, whether they are in the classroom or at home. They will also support and complement a visit.
Check out out our British Empire workshop.
Download the Empire Teacher Pack (257 KB, pdf) for helpful information and tips on how these resources can assist in your lesson planning.
The Great Rebellion, 1857
Complied of original sources, the events of the Great Rebellion in 1857 are depicted from multiple points of view.
Warning: this video contains outdated language at approximately 10:56 into the video and graphic descriptions of war that may be unsuitable for young children. Teacher/Parental guidance is strongly advised.
If you are having trouble viewing the YouTube video on this page, it is likely because you have rejected those cookies that allow them to work. You can either adjust your cookie settings and accept the “Targeting cookies” or you can watch it on YouTube.
Speech Recordings
Blood, toil, tears and sweat - Winston Churchill, 1940
The below recording is of Winston Churchill's first speech as Prime Minister. He condemns the Third Reich of Germany and its advancements into Europe, whilst emphasising the survival of the British Empire and all that it stands for.
Excerpt from the Proclamation, by the Queen in Council to the Princes, Chiefs and People of India- Queen Victoria, 1858
This modern day recording is of an excerpt from the speech given by Queen Victoria when the British crown took control of Colonial India from the East India Company. This happened as a result of The Great Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the First War of Independence.
Learning packs and resources
Empire Teacher Pack (pdf, 257 KB).
Contact our communications team if you require documents in an alternative format.
Photo Banks
All the below images are from our collection and will enhance students visual understanding of the British Empire.
Click/tap the image to reveal more information, including a link to further information and more images of the object.
You are more than welcome to use the images in your lessons and other non-commercial education. If in doubt, please download our Copyright Policy (pdf, 93 KB) or contact our licencing team.
The British Empire in India
Anglo-African relations
The Anglo-Afghan War
The British Empire in the First and Second World War
Contact Information
Please contact us to make a booking or if you have any questions.
Email address
educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk
Telephone
07785 692 443
Postal address
Education Team
Royal Armouries Museum
Leeds
LS10 1LT
United Kingdom