Year 8 Civil War Day

On Tuesday 8 November the History department held its annual Civil War Day for Year 8 pupils. Once again we were visited by Colonel Desmond Thomas and his wife, Judy, for a whole day of Civil War related activities.

In the morning the pupils were entertained by an interactive telling of the Civil War story before getting the opportunity to examine and ask questions about the vast array of artefacts on display. The pupils were then led out to the school field for a display of Civil War weaponry including the firing of a fully functional replica cannon.  After being reassured that their teeth would not fall out when they heard the ‘bang’ all the pupils were excited to see and hear such a fearsome weapon at close range.

The afternoon featured a ‘tasting menu’ of seventeenth-century food including cheese, bread, capon and sweetmeats, all produced using techniques true to the era. The day finished with pupils being given the chance to dress up in Civil War clothes and armour and even try out weapons such as replica swords and guns.

Overall, it was a tremendous experience for the pupils which broadened their knowledge of the seventeenth century and bought the period to life.