Shropshire Routes to Rootswww.shropshireroots.org.uk |
|
| Routes | The story of writing | The Civil War | |
|
Go to
The Civil War
|
1. Introduction
How can a letter from 1649 help us to understand the British Civil War?
The British Civil WarThe British Civil War was a turbulent period in England's history, lasting from around 1640 to 1660. It was a time when the country was divided between supporters of the King and those opposed to him. Families and friends found themselves split along religious and political lines, and fought against each other. Working out why the British Civil War happened is difficult. There were a number of religious, political and social causes and although the war is known as the British Civil War, there were battles in Scotland and Ireland. European politics also played a role in the outcome. Civil war themeThis theme will provide a very brief introduction to the period. In it, we will examine a single written source: a letter dating from 1649. The letter was found in Shropshire Archives, reference LB11/4/76/43. The letter will demonstrate the state of England at the time. To fully appreciate the significance of the letter, however, it is important first to find out what was happening at the time it was written. ContinueFind out about the context of the British Civil War: Next |
Page created March 2004 and last updated 30 July 2007
