British Civil Wars: Gallery Trail

Follow this trail to find out more about the British Civil Wars through objects in the Museum.
Flintlock rifled pistol, c1645

Follow this trail to find out more about the British Civil Wars through objects in the Museum.

Using the information in the captions and your own knowledge, answer the questions about the selected gallery items.

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Schools

Gallery trails

Support and enrich your trip by using our free curriculum-linked trails, which highlight relevant objects throughout the Museum's galleries.

Secondary

British Civil Wars: Pikemen, cavalrymen and musketeers

Using our handling collection, explore Civil War battle tactics, weaponry and equipment to consider the experience of warfare in the 17th century.

Secondary

British Civil Wars: Pikemen, cavalrymen and musketeers (virtual)

Explore Civil War battle tactics, weaponry and equipment to consider the experience of warfare in the 17th century.

Video

Exploring the British Civil Wars through art

This talk by art curator Anna Lavelle explores the causes and events of the British Civil Wars, and the establishment of the New Model Army, through the art and visual culture of the 17th century and beyond.

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British Civil Wars

Fought between 1642 and 1651, these wars were primarily disputes between Crown and Parliament about how the British Isles should be governed. But they also had religious and social dimensions, and witnessed the creation of the first national standing army.

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Thomas Fairfax: A man of honour

General Sir Thomas Fairfax was arguably the most important general of the British Civil Wars. As Commander-in-Chief of the New Model Army, he played a key role in defeating the Royalists.