Grange School Civil War Day

On Wednesday 12 th and Thursday 13 th March, Oldham was rocked by several loud explosions. These were no accident but the work of some of our Year 8 pupils. No need to panic parents! This was Year 8 enjoying a wonderful opportunity to have an insight into the history of The English Civil War.

As part of their history studies in Year 8, pupils study the English Civil War, fought between Parliament and King Charles I in the mid-17 th century. Grange School History Department arranged for Civil War expert and re-enactor Colonel Granville-Thomas and his wife, Mistress Judith, to visit the school and throw light on the events of this bitter conflict.

Pupils were given a whole day to look at the causes of the war, the battles fought during it and the clothing, food and equipment of the time. This included hands-on opportunities to handle weapons and wear clothing of the period. It also involved the live firing of a 17 th century musket and a falconette, a small artillery piece. Pupils were thrilled by this demonstration of firepower. No doubt many of you heard all about it, and indeed those of you who live nearby heard it for yourselves! A great and exciting two days when history came alive with a bang.