For Schools GCSEs/A-Levels

We welcome GCSE and A-level students looking at the Stuart period, Cromwell, and the English Civil War as part of their exam studies from across the UK. We can support learning on causes and events of the Civil Wars, the development of warfare during the 17th century, and the trial of Charles I and the arguments on either side.

We offer a number of key advantages beyond learning in the classroom for post 16 students:

• Inspiring students by getting to see real artefacts up close, and going beyond documentary sources studied in the classroom
• The opportunity to discuss and debate events and themes with knowledgeable museum staff and volunteers
• Have a session tailored to fit your needs and learning objectives

What we offer:

On site and virtual workshops

Discussing Cromwell – Tour the Museum and analyse original artefacts, paintings, and documents, then participate in a Q&A and discussion session with our Curator and other experts. Topics can include: the life of Oliver Cromwell; his role in the Civil War, the trial and execution of Charles I, and the Protectorate; the short and long term legacy of Cromwell and the Civil Wars.

Discussing the Civil Wars – Discuss the causes, events, and short and long-term impacts of the British Civil Wars in this talk and Q&A session with our Curator. Topics can include: the road to war (including the role of social, political, and religious divisions); the creation and importance of the New Modelled Army; the subjugation of Ireland; imperial expansion and the Western Design; the Commonwealth; the Protectorate; the Restoration.

The Huntingdon Witch Trials­ ­– Huntingdon is known as the witch trial capital of England, with witch trials occurring in the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries. In this talk and Q&A session, our Curator explores the history of witchcraft beliefs and witch-hunting in England, Matthew Hopkins and the East Anglican ‘witch craze’ in the 1640s, and the Huntingdon witch trials.

Alternate topics can include Huntingdon’s history, Crime and Punishment (using the 17^th century courtrooms in Huntingdon Town Hall), or careers in Museums, Heritage Management and Tourism. We can also tailor our sessions to fit your learning objectives according to which exam board you are teaching to, including OCR, AQA, Edexcel, and WJEC Eduqas.

‘The students enjoyed the virtual workshop! They got a lot out of it and found the information really clear and it very much tied into their current unit on witchcraft.’ – Sixth Form Teacher

Classroom Resources

Oliver Cromwell: Warts and All – Join our Curator in this series of bite-sized videos designed to support lessons on Cromwell and the Civil War. Topics include: whether Cromwell was ‘king in all but name’, the Battle of Naseby, and Cromwell’s contested legacy.

‘All People One’: The Putney Debates – Created in partnership with the UK Parliamentary Archives to commemorate the 375^th anniversary of the Putney Debates, this resource uses primary sources to examine the emergence of political and religious radicalism in 1640s, politicisation of the New Modelled Army, and the events and legacy of the historic Putney Debates.

Find out more about what we can offer you by downloading our secondary education leaflet: Secondary Education Leaflet

Ready to book?

Contact Kristina, our Learning Officer at 01480 702216 or email learning@cromwellmuseum.com.