A tumultuous time in our nation’s history, the English Civil Wars ripped apart the country and led to regicide. An intriguing aspect of your pupils study of the development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745; it also features in Edexcel and OCR GCSE papers. The Royal Armouries Museum houses the largest collection of weapons and armour from the English Civil Wars in the world. This part of our collection is called the ‘Littlecote House Collection’ and was originally collected by the parliamentarian Colonel Alexander Popham. Read the story of The King and the Colonel and learn more about Alexander Popham.
We have designed the resources below to help your pupils learn, whether they are in the classroom or at home.
If you are planning to visit the Royal Armouries in Leeds check out our English Civil War Workshop to immerse your pupils learning while they are with us!
If you are having trouble viewing the YouTube video on this page, it is likely because you have rejected those cookies that allow them to work. You can either adjust your cookie settings and accept the “Targeting cookies” or you can view it on YouTube.
‘Cannons are roaring’ ballad
With lyrics originating from 1637, this ballad will transport pupils back to the mid 1600s. The lyrics describe open field battle, sieges and the role of women in battle, giving an excellent insight into the time period in a very different way than a text book.
All the below images are from our collection and will enhance students visual understanding of the English Civil Wars. Hover over the image to reveal more information, including a link to further information and more images of the object.
Swords were used by all types of soldiers and were therefore the most common weapon in the English Civil Wars. This hanger sword has a short curved blade that is sharp along the leading edge, and both sides at the tip. It is likely to have been used by a foot soldier. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Collar of bandoliers 1650 England
Each grey wooden charging bottle held enough coarse gunpowder to fire one shot. There are 11 wooden charging bottles as the musket is usually clogged after firing this number of rounds. The brown bottle is for priming powder which is finer and used in the priming pan. The pouch held musket balls, and squares of fabric to hold the powder and ball in the musket barrel. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Matchlock musket 1640 England
Lower in cost than the flintlock variety, matchlock muskets were the most common muskets in the English Civil Wars. Loaded via the barrel, the musketeer lowered a slow-burning match to the priming pan via the trigger to fire. This could only be done 10-12 times before the barrel became clogged and un-usable. They were unreliable and inaccurate by modern standards but terrifyingly deadly to people in the 17th century. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Flintlock pocket pistol 1631-1670 England
Flintlock firearms use the spark generated from the flint striking the ‘fizzle’ to light the gunpowder. But this does not mean they are more reliable or accurate. In order to truly know that the shot hits the intended target, a point-blank range must be used. Pistols often came in pairs and are used by cavalrymen as the short barrel makes them easier to use whilst on horseback than the longer musket. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Powder flask 1640 Europe
Used to hold fine priming powder, these flasks were vital to ensure a musketeer’s success. They kept the powder enclosed, reducing the risk of accidental combustion. They also kept the powder dry and clean which gave the best chance of firing. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Pike (1631-1670)
This pike may seem a simple piece of weaponry but it would take training and practice to effectively use in battle. In fact, this is a short pike; most were 16 ft (4.9m) whereas this one is 8.5 ft (2.6m). The pikemen protected the musketeers from cavalry charges and moved as a unit on the battlefield rather than fighting as individuals. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Armour
Pikeman's breastplate and tassets 1630 England
Worn with a gorget and helmet, this armour was designed to protect pikemen. Musket ball-proof and maneuverable, the tassets can move with the legs to ensure the pikemen can move around the battlefield with ease. This armour has been painted black and gold. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Long elbow gauntlet 1660 England
Used by cavalrymen to protect the hand on the horse's reins, these pieces of armour were also called bridle gauntlets. Not standard issue they were purchased by individuals. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Harquebusier's pot 1645 England
This is the typical harquebusier helmet. It gives great visibility and breathability for the soldier while protecting his scalp and neck. This pot helmet was also known as a ‘lobster helmet’ due to the shape of the neck protection resembling the tail of a lobster. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Gorget.
Worn to protect the neck and collarbone by pikemen. Usually plain and simple, some gorgets were elaborately decorated to show off. Made from 2 pieces that open on one side with a hinge on the other. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Cuirassier's field armour 1625-1635 Germany
Cuirassiers were heavy cavalry. The expensive armour of the medieval knight had been adapted to become musket ball proof, and was made thicker and softer. You can see the dents where musket balls have hit the armour on the chest plate. The changes also made the armour incredibly heavy and impractical; this example weighs over 56 lbs (25 kgs) but some weighed over 84 lbs (38 kgs). This form of armour was uncommon and the Harquebusier style of armour was more widely adopted for cavalry. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Colonel Alexander Popham
Harquebusier armour 1630 England
Possibly the armour of Alexander Popham, this is the typical body armour of a Harquebusier. A leather buff coat which is slash-proof is underneath musket ball-proof chest and back plates. Although more easy to move in that full plate armour, this style offered less protection. A musket ball could go through the buff coat causing serious limb damage. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Portrait of Colonel Alexander Popham 1631-1670 England
Colonel Alexander Popham was a Parliamentarian commander who fought against the King forces around the West Country and the Midlands. He commanded the army that chased the young Prince Charles (future Charles II) into exile in 1645, yet he hosted the King for dinner in 1663. He collected what is known as the Littlecote House Collection; the world's biggest collection of English Civil Wars arms and armour, now housed at the Royal Armouries Museum. Click here to see the object page and more images.
