Our Year 8 History students recently stepped back in time to the 17th century during an unforgettable visit to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. From musket drills to handling real Civil War artifacts, this hands-on experience brought history to life and deepened their understanding of the English Civil Wars.
To bring their studies of the English Civil Wars to life, our Year 8 History students recently visited the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. This engaging trip, held on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, provided an immersive experience that deepened their understanding of this pivotal chapter in history.
The day began with two exciting workshops that transported students back to the 17th century. The first workshop put them right into the action with a dynamic military drill. As part of the Parliamentarian army, students learned musket drills, then switched sides to practice pike drills as royalists. In a fun twist, each student was asked to declare their allegiance, and every single pupil was ‘FOR THE KING!’ — perhaps a nod to the drama and intrigue of the era. And of course, back in those times, if you were not 'for the King', your days may have been numbered!
In the second workshop, students were given a rare chance to handle real and replica artifacts from the Civil Wars. With armour to try on and weapons to handle, they quickly realised just how heavy the equipment was and could imagine the immense challenges soldiers faced on the battlefield.
After lunch, students explored the museum’s expansive galleries. Guided through the Royal Armouries' impressive collection, they gained a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of historical arms and armour preserved there.
This trip not only brought history to life but gave students a hands-on perspective of what it would have been like to live — and fight — during this turbulent time.
This unforgettable experience at the Royal Armouries has certainly added a new dimension to our Year 8 history lessons, leaving students with memories and insights they’ll carry with them well beyond the classroom!