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.
Book now
School children examining 17th-century military uniform

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

What does our soldier's equipment tell us about 17th-century warfare?

Using our unique handling collection, learners will explore the roles of pikemen, cavalrymen and musketeers within both Parliamentarian and Royalist forces.

Learners will examine a range of weaponry and uniforms from the 17th century and discuss the development of professional soldiery, instigated by the founding of the New Model Army.

This session is 60 minutes long and includes:

  • Handling objects and demonstrations
  • Using historic images
  • Group presentation
  • Group discussion
  • Gallery trail (optional)

Curriculum areas:

  • History

Explore further

Schools

Workshops for schools

We run a programme of curriculum-linked schools workshops. These sessions are taught by Museum staff in our Foyle Centre.

Story

Battle of Naseby

Sir Thomas Fairfax led his troops to victory over King Charles I at the Battle of Naseby on 14 June 1645. His triumph won the First English Civil War (1642-46) for Parliament and ensured that monarchs would never again be supreme in British politics.

Story

Oliver Cromwell: Lord Protector

Lieutenant-General Oliver Cromwell was a natural cavalry leader. He played a vital role in Parliament’s victories at the Battles of Marston Moor and Naseby, before leading successful campaigns in Ireland and Scotland.

story

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.

story

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.