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The English Civil War
The English Civil War
This is just a sample of the sort of tour we can produce for you. Similar tours available elsewhere in England as well as Scotland, Ireland and most countries of Continental Europe. The English Civil War is perhaps the definitive cautionary tale for revolutionaries. Cromwell's idealistic young men thought they were the future. The reality is that their future came to reflect the past. In this journey through England explore the people and places associated with the conflict, Oliver Cromwell, Charles I, Warwick Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the important battlefield sites at Edgehill, Worcester and Naseby.
SAMPLE DAILY ITINERARY BELOW
SOME OF THE TOUR’S SIGHTS.
Day 1 — Arrival London
On arrival meet with your professional tour guide for the transfer in to central London to experience an introductory tour of some of the famous landmarks including Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Overnight stay in London.
Day 2 — London
A whole day is dedicated to the English Civil War in London. Admission is included to Westminster Abbey, The Banqueting House in Whitehall to see the location of the execution of Charles I and of course The Tower of London. Lunch is included within the Tower in The Armouries. A highlight for some has to be seeing the site where Cromwell's decapitated head was placed on a pole above Westminster Hall. Various accounts suggest that Cromwell's head blew off in a high wind falling at the feet of the sentry on guard, who apparently took it home. On request and at specific times of the year admission to both the Houses of Parliament can be arranged. Overnight stay in London.
Day 3 — Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle
More gruesome and true tales today as a journey is made to the south west of London for a tour of Hampton Court Palace and nearby Windsor Castle. Inside Hampton Court Palace experience the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and children in the world of the Tudor court. Admire Henry’s Great Hall, the infamous Haunted Gallery and the Tudor kitchens. Discover the spectacular baroque palace built for William III and Mary II and explore the magnificent gardens. Inside Windsor Castle you will discover the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Today The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle.
Overnight stay in London.
Day 4 — John Milton and Oxford
Leaving London to the North West a visit is made to the cottage owned by John Milton. Fleeing the outbreak of the Bubonic plague in London, Milton came here with his wife and daughters in 1665, where a house had been secured for them by Milton’s friend and pupil, Thomas Ellwood – who famously referred to it as “that pretty box in St Giles, Chalfonte.” Milton’s Cottage was an important place in the writer’s life: within these walls he completed Paradise Lost and was inspired to write its sequel, Paradise Regained. It was these late, great works that ensured his enduring poetic legacy and universal recognition as one of the world’s greatest writers. A short journey brings us to Oxford where a highlight will be a visit to The Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. Overnight stay in Oxford.
Day 5 — Cotswolds
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty today are known for their scenic beauty and indeed they are but in the English Civil War this area was strategically very important. So much so that the first pitched battle of the Civil War took place here and you will see the site at Edge Hill. Other places that will be visited associated with the Civil War include Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway. Overnight stay in Worcestershire.
Day 6 — Worcester and Warwick
Spend the morning in Worcester examining the final battle of The Civil War and including a visit to The Commandery. Amazingly some of the landmarks from the time of Charles II still stand in Worcester. The Commandery, where Charles made his headquarters during the battle, is now a museum, and has many exhibits about the period. Fort Royal, a vital artillery position that was held by Royalist troops and captured by the Parliamentary army under Oliver Cromwell, is now a park. It has great views of the City. Parts of the old city walls can be seen alongside the City Walls Road. At the back of these lies the King Charles House, from where Charles II made his escape after the Battle of Worcester. It's now a restaurant. Charles watched the battle unfolding from the tower at Worcester cathedral. You can still go up there, but it's a long climb. In the afternoon reach Warwick Castle an impressive Parliamentary stronghold and still very impressive and perhaps see a death mask of Oliver Cromwell. Overnight stay in Warwickshire.
Day 7 — Naseby and Cromwell
Heading north we arrive at the Naseby Battle site to see the memorial and discuss this decisive engagement of the First English Civil War, fought on 14 June 1645 between the main Royalist army of King Charles I and the Parliamentarian New Model Army, commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. In the afternoon we are deep in original Parliamentarian country and will visit Huntingdon. The Cromwell Museum will be visited where the resident curator is a known expert on Cromwell. This small but interesting museum is housed in the school that Cromwell attended as a boy. Overnight stay in Cambridgeshire.
Day 8 — Ely and Cambridge
A full day excursion takes us into an area known as The Fens and to the small city of Ely. Here a visit is made to the former Lord Protector's family home, the only residence still in existence other than Hampton Court. Commoner or King, Saint or Sinner, Friend or Foe - have you decided? Here a local expert will give you a detailed insight in to the man to help you decide. Afternoon return to Cambridge for a guided historical walk. Join the debate about the location of Oliver Cromwell's head and visit the supposed burial site in Sidney Sussex College Cambridge. Overnight stay in Cambridgeshire.
Day 9 — London
This morning a return drive to London is made with the rest of the day free for personal exploration. Many of London's major museums are free to visit, the most impressive perhaps being The British Museum and The National Gallery. Overnight stay in London.
Day 10 — Departure
An executive motorcoach is provided for the transfer to London's Heathrow Airport.