The English Civil War was one of the most turbulent periods of British history. Between 1642 and 1651, the population of the British Isles would suffer a proportionally greater loss of life than it did during the First World War and the nine years of war would result in the deaths of over a quarter…
From continental wars and revolutions to major advances in science and political ideas, the upheaval and conflict of the 17th Century produced many stories that filmmakers have attempted to retell on the big and small screen. While ancient Rome and Edwardian country manors have always been more popular settings with audiences, the era of Cavaliers…
Today marks 368 years since the execution of Charles Stuart, king of England, Scotland and Ireland, on a scaffold built next to the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall in London. Surrounded by large numbers of soldiers, who faced the crowd rather than the scaffold, he addressed his last speech, uttered in a quiet voice, to Colonel Tomlinson…
We take part in events across the country, from small historical encampments to huge battles with musket, pike, cannon and cavalry – come along to meet the soldiers and civilians, and experience life during the tumultuous 17th Century! We’ve got a really exciting 2026 lined up, with events across England and Wales – and with…
Born in Norfolk in 1625, Myngs joined the navy shortly before the outbreak of the English Civil War and, siding with Parliament, he rapidly rose through the ranks. He first appeared prominently during the first Anglo Dutch War (1652-1654) as captain of the Elisabeth when he captured a Dutch convoy, including two men-of-war taken as…
We spotted a great article recently from BBC History Magazine about “10 great misconceptions about the English Civil War” Common mistakes it seeks to correct include the ideas that the Civil War broke out by accident (wrong), Cavaliers were aristocrats while Roundheads were yeomen (wrong), Cromwell won the war for parliament (wrong) and that it was only…
Did you come to Standford Hall or Newark this month to watch us re-enact the English Civil War? Just think, you could join us as we bring history to life across the country, camping in some of the most spectacular locations in England, Scotland, and Wales, having great fun afterwards by socialising around the campfire or down the beer tent,…
What a Bank Holiday weekend! Newark-on-Trent came alive last week as the National Civil War Centre was opened in this historic town, which boasts the best preserved English Civil War defenses in the country. Here’s some video of what was an intense but incredibly well-attended battle, which took place by The Queen’s Sconse on the edge…
One of the questions we get the most often from members of the public is “Where do you get your clothes from?”. It’s an understandable question – we’re not exactly wearing things you can find on the high street! They say clothes maketh the man and with historical re-enactment it’s totally true, the period clothes that audiences know…
Photo: Centre for Heritage Imaging and Collection Care As with so much of our history, the records of the English Civil Wars are usually dominated by those with power and agency – whether it’s the monarchs and politicians who ruled us or the privileged rich who could afford education and materials, it’s often the case that the voice…