Discover the British Civil Wars through 100 fascinating objects

From weapons and clothing to letters and everyday items, each object opens a window into the human experience of the English Civil Wars. This beautifully illustrated volume is an essential read for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the events that shaped our nation.

The Civil Wars in 100 Objects is edited by Professor Andrew Hopper, Professor of History in Oxford Lifelong Learning at the University of Oxford. Professor Hopper said:
“The British Civil Wars were defining moments in British and Irish history. This book offers a fresh and accessible approach to understanding its complexity and significance. Through the prism of 100 beautifully illustrated objects, from manuscripts to household goods, through the personal possessions and weapons of the famous, to the architecture that defined religious and military change, these objects offer intimate connections with the past and shed new light on these tumultuous times. This book really does focus on some of the most intriguing and wonderful objects of the era and makes the Civil Wars accessible to all.”

Denise Greany, who oversees learning and education at the National Civil War Centre and wrote the foreword, added: “This book is a treasure trove of insight. Each object reveals a unique perspective on the conflict, helping us understand not just the battles, but the lives and emotions of those who lived through them. It was an honour to be asked to write the foreword for such an important book which really helps bring the British Civil Wars to life.”

Glyn Hughes, Curator at the National Civil War Centre and contributor to the book, commented: “We wanted to create something that connects people to the past in a tangible way. These objects speak volumes about resilience, belief, and the everyday realities of war. The people, events and ideas of the British Civil Wars are explored by a range of leading historians, and the book offers the most fascinating insights into a time of huge challenge and change, when local communities suffered famine, disease and loss. As well as the suffering, there was also huge creativity which led to significant changes in religion, science and politics that turned the world upside down forever and in ways that we still see today.”

The Civil Wars between 1638 and 1651 were the most destabilising conflicts that the British and Irish peoples have ever endured and with 34 contributors from universities, museums and the heritage sectors, the book explores:

• The causes and origins,
• the story of the fighting,
• daily life
• the human costs and material destruction,
• The World Turned Upside Down and
• consequences, legacies and remembrance.

For schools, a range of free resources are available to support the book, are available at www.worldturnedupsidedown.co.uk/civil-war-educators-hub. Every school visiting the National Civil War Centre for an educational session will receive a free copy of the book during this academic year. The Centre offers a range of education visits for key stage 1 through to key stage 4, and beyond. Schools can find out more about the learning opportunities available at the centre by visiting the National Civil War Centre website.

The National Civil War Centre is free to Newark and Sherwood residents and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am – 4pm. The Centre features interactive exhibits, replica objects, dressing up areas, puppet companions, family trails, short films, and treasures from across history. Audio tours and object trails are available in English, Polish, and Arabic too. The Centre is also home to the Newark Museum, with objects and information about Newark’s local history.

Pay and display parking is available opposite, and the Centre is easily accessible from Newark Northgate and Newark Castle stations and by bus. The Centre’s shop will be selling the 100 Objects book as well as offering a range of unique objects, perfect for Christmas gifts, so pop in and have a look.

The wonderful Café Nineteen20 is open every day serving a range of homemade food and cakes. To find out more about the 100 Objects book or visiting the Centre, visit National Civil War Centre website at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com