Statue of Oliver Cromwell (made by Hamo Thornycroft in 1829) outside the Palace of Westminster
{photo by Elliott Brown via flickr / CC BY 2.0}
FIRST, tomorrow night is the Hanging Lantern Review Spring Reading & Release Party at the Dallidet Adobe (Tuesday, May 24th, 6:30pm). Tickets are on sale NOW here! This event always sells out, so get your tickets today! You can also pre-order the beautiful summer issue for $10. (Ticket & Journal bundles are available for discount.) Help spread the word by inviting family and friends. This is an evening not to be missed!
Today we will look at a few topics that will take us through next week (a short week) too. Use the links below to explore more about the Cavaliers and Roundheads in the English Civil War, and Oliver Cromwell, the political and military leader who removed the English Monarchy from power and temporarily turned England into a republican commonwealth:
VIDEOS:
Horrible Histories: The English Civil War Song – This is a humorous yet informative look at the Cavaliers vs. the Roundheads, set to music (West Side Story style…).
Cromwell – This 1970 movie (Rated G) stars Richard Harris and Alec Guinness in “a dazzling epic about the ambitious commoner who overthrew King Charles I.“ Available to rent on Amazon.
Oliver Cromwell: Timelines.tv History of Britain – Originally from the BBC, this is “The story of Oliver Cromwell – and of the failure of Britain's brief experiment in republican government:”
The English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell (Part 1) – Here’s a documentary series by Davis Starkey about the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell. This is part 1 of 4, the total time for all for parts is about 33 minutes:
Here are links to Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
Oliver Cromwell song by Monty Python – This is just the audio and lyrics (yes, it’s clean) of this silly but historical song set to the tune of Chopin’s Polonaise, Op. 53:
WEBSITES:
The English Civil War – This summary of the war, from the Children’s British History Encyclopedia, includes pictures.
Why Did People Go to War in 1642? – Here’s a site from the British National Archives featuring video clips of actors portraying English Civil War people, including Charles I, a bishop, and other figures, sharing their perspectives on the war. Click on “modem” or “broadband” to watch the clips.
And from the same website: Listen to an extract from a report of the trial of Charles I. Click on the play button, or to read a summary of the extract, click on “Simplified transcript.”
Parliament.uk: The Civil War – An online guide to the English Civil War, with a timeline of key events. For timeline click on one of the links under “Key dates.” Check out the other resources on this page too!
Oliver Cromwell, England’s Dictator Champions Liberty – The life and times of Oliver Cromwell. Click on “Launch Story,” or to find out about his legacy, scroll down and click on the options, such as “What he did” or “Activities.”
