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British Civil Wars KS3-4

Royalist cavalier soldier dressed in a red tunic, buff coat, breastplate and a three-bar helmet, pointing a flintlock pistol

Bring the British Civil Wars to life through weapons, tactics and the realities of 17th-century warfare. 

In the immersive KS3-4 workshop, pupils investigate one of the most turbulent periods of British history at the home of the world’s most extensive collection of British Civil War arms and armour: the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

Through object handling, character-led interpretation and practical pike and musket drill, pupils move beyond the textbook to examine the experiences of soldiers on the battlefield, making it a powerful enrichment for developing disciplinary skills. 

Teachers can extend learning before or after a visit with our British Civil War Learning Resources including free videos, images, audio resources and teacher notes. 

Royal Armouries Museum

Workshop

KS3, KS4

90 Minutes

£5 per pupil

Curriculum Focus

This workshop supports students studying the development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745, focusing on the causes, events and impact of the British Civil Wars. 

  • History KS3: The British Civil Wars, monarchy, Parliament and the changing balance of power in Britain.
  • Historical enquiry: Pupils use replica arms and armour as evidence to understand the experience of soldiers, the organisation of armies and the realties of 17th-century warfare. 
  • Change and continuity: students consider how 17th-century weapons, tactics and battlefield organisation changed from previous conflicts. 
  • GCSE readiness: this session builds skills useful for KS4 history, including the explanation of significance and the analysis of conflict and political change. 

What to expect

Object Handling

Pupils will get hands on with replica weapons and armour to investigate the roles of cavalry and foot soldiers during the British Civil Wars. Pupils will consider the degree of change in 17th-century warfare from older forms of protection and close combat, to changing technology, tactics and military organisation. 

Pike and musket drill 

Pupils are drawn into the conflict by two competing characters: one Royalist and one for Parliament. Pupils will hear their viewpoints which explore some of the key causes of the Civil War. Afterwards, they will be put through their paces as they learn and practice historic pike and musket drills, learning how teamwork, timing and discipline shaped warfare. 

We guarantee your students will still be talking about this workshop for the rest of the academic year.

Gallery Links

Horses with armour and men wearing armour in a museum gallery
The War Gallery

War Gallery

(British Civil War)

Explore how the history of warfare has changed from the early days of hand-to-hand combat to today’s technology-based warfare, including our new display on the Second World War.

Visit the War Gallery

Book Now

When you email us, please provide the following information:

  • Name and address of school, organisation, or home educated group
  • First, second, and third choice of date
  • Number of pupils and number of adults
  • If you would like to visit the museum shop
  • If you require coach parking
  • Any other additional information you’d like us to know (e.g. special education needs) 

Find our Education Bookings Terms and Conditions 

Email: educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk

Phone: 07785 692443

Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, please only call us if you have already booked a visit and your enquiry is urgent. 

Learning packs and resources

Education Visit Pack 2025-2026 (pdf, 576KB)

Contact our communications team if you require documents in an alternative format.

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