Civil War People

The five videos in this series called ‘Civil War People’ have been updated to a greater quality from our focussed topic website English Civil War.

View our videos to find out how a Bishop, Puritan, Scotsman, Irishman or King Charles I himself possibly viewed the prospect of civil war in 1642. Their words help to provide information which supports the document activities. Look at the videos first!

Then, explore a specific linked document activity for each character.

Try and read the original document.

Each document is provided with background information, questions, a transcript and a simplified transcript to help.

Please note that the document used in each activity can also be seen in the topic website English Civil War alongside other documents so you can expand your studies!

Connection to Curriculum:

Key stage 3: The National Curriculum: The causes and events of the civil wars throughout Britain

Download the resource pack

An image from our collection - image library reference KB 27/1681/2. It is an illuminated initial membrane with portrait of Charles the first.

Civil War person: Charles I

Charles I ruled his kingdom without calling Parliament from 1629-40.

Civil War person: Irishman

Charles I was ruler of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Civil War person: Scottish Covenanter

In the 1500s England and Scotland had broken away from the Roman Catholic Church and become Protestant countries.

Civil War person: Puritan

Some of Charles I’s loudest critics were the Puritans.

Civil War person: Bishop

In 1633 Charles appointed William Laud as Archbishop of Canterbury.

English Civil War: Quiz

How much do you know about the English Civil War (1642-51)? Watch the all videos in the lesson, then answer the quiz questions.