The seventeenth century was an extraordinary time for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Find out more about the civil wars and the people who lived through them - in their own words.

• Sensational sources
• What kind of king was Charles I?
• Why did people go to war in 1642?
• Why did people want the king back in 1646?
• Why did Britain become a republic?
• What kind of ruler was Oliver Cromwell?

• Contact us
• Credits
• Site map
• Help
• Teacher's notes
• Glossary
• Downloads