Last Friday, the usually tranquil grounds beside the Chapel were transformed into a bustling 17th-century encampment, as the English Civil War Society brought history to life for our First Form pupils.
Beneath brilliant blue skies, pupils were invited to step back in time and immerse themselves in the world of the English Civil War. The living history camp offered a rich, hands-on exploration of the period, allowing pupils to handle authentic weapons and armour, explore military structures, and learn about the day-to-day lives of soldiers.
Particularly memorable were the vivid stories shared by the re-enactors, including the rather gruesome but fascinating insight into the role of a barber-surgeon, whose duties ranged from shaving beards to performing battlefield amputations. The experience was made even more immersive thanks to our School kitchen, who prepared historically inspired dishes, including peas pottage and beef stew, which pupils had the chance to sample.
The day culminated in an unforgettable highlight — a live artillery demonstration, as pupils watched (and felt) the ground-shaking blast of a cannon being fired, giving them a powerful sense of the noise and chaos of 17th-century warfare.
It was a day that brought textbook pages to life, sparking conversations, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the English Civil War. Above all, it showcased the power of experiential learning to connect pupils with the past in meaningful and memorable ways.
