The National Archives Learning Curve - Civil War
Download and print PDF version Civil War > Sensational sources

Find out more about original sources:

Finding an original source
1. Finding an original source
What does it say?
2. What does it say?
What does it tell us?
3. What does it tell us?

Sensational Sources

Secret code

The Civil War was an amazing time. England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales were all plunged into war and rebellion. Parliament fought against the King in two wars. A revolution followed and the King was executed. England became a republic. After that Oliver Cromwell came to power.

Any period with all that going on must produce some interesting historical documents (like this secret code).

Your challenge

Examine each of the three images to the right, study the material in each section and then report back to your teacher what you have learnt.