Year 8 re-enact the Civil War

Published: 12 April, 2011

To complement their studies of the English Civil War, Year 8 played host to re-enactors from the Torrington 1646. 

The students were introduced to gruesome seventeenth century surgery which included very direct methods of overcoming constipation and very simple methods of resolving tooth complaints. The implements were big, metal and heavy which made many children wince, especially those selected to wear the bloodstained robe and face hand amputation!

Sir Basil guided the students through techniques for spotting witches and gave a detailed guide as to how witches could be tested and dispatched. Finally, Master Christopher held aloft the weapons used during the Civil War battles and helped students dress in the soldiers' armour. 

As a conclusion to the day, Master Christopher took the year group onto the playing field and explained how the musket was prepared and fired, leaving the gun shot resounding around the College.

The students learnt an enormous amount from their various experiences and came away with a greater understanding of life and warfare in seventeenth century England.