1. Title: Cromwell – Hero or Villain?

2. What changed after the English Civil War? Spot the difference!
Before the Civil War
After the Civil War
What do the seals suggest about who was in charge of England before and after the Civil War? 2

3. What changed after the English Civil War?
On the morning of 31 January 1649, the people of England and Wales woke up to something they had never experienced before – They had no King or Queen!
When Charles’ head hit the floor the previous day, the country became a republic (a country that is not ruled by a King or Queen)
This situation would remain for the next 11 years!
However, nobody really knew what to do without a King or Queen so they looked towards the most powerful man in the country at that time for guidance.
That man was Oliver Cromwell, leader of the army. 3

5. What can we learn from the story of Cromwell’s head?
Funeral fit for a king at Westminster Abbey Body dug up, hung & beheaded. Head placed on a spike Blown off the spike in a storm. Found by a soldier and stuffed up a chimney Sold to a waxwork show Bought by a group of businessmen. Put on display in Bond Street Bought by a Doctor who examines it Given to Sidney Sussex College for burial in a secret location!

6. What can we learn from the story of Cromwell’s head?
State Funeral
Re-buried
in Cambridge
Seen as a Hero
Seen as a Villain
1658
1661
1685
1702
1789
1814
1960

7. Why did some people respect Cromwell while others did not?
When Cromwell took control of the country he made many changes.
Some people liked the changes very much, whilst others did not like the changes at all.
As a result, there are two very different interpretations of Cromwell – OR
HERO
VILLAIN 7

8. Hero or Villain?
In your groups, read the sources about the different things that Cromwell did.
Decide which side of the table you should put them on – hero or villain?
Evidence to suggest Cromwell was a hero
Evidence to suggest Cromwell was a villain
If you have finished, try the super-size extension!
For each of the sources look at:
Who wrote it?
Why do you think they wrote it?
Can we trust what they are saying about Cromwell?
Based on this, choose the source you think is most useful to us as historians.

9. Trial! Based on the evidence we have just looked at, make a decision:
Do you think Cromwell was a hero or a villain?
Write a short speech to present, either defending or attacking Cromwell.
Be ready to convince the rest of the class!
To reach level 4 –
Use one or two pieces of evidence from your table to help you explain why you have made your decision.
To reach level 5 –
Finish your speech with the most useful piece of evidence that helped you make your decision. 9