Introduction

It is important not to overstate the idea of 'a nation taking sides' when the Civil War broke out in 1642.  Most poor people had to fight for whichever side their landlord supported.  Some people did not know or care about the issues; in 1644, when an army patrol near Marston Moor told a shepherd that the king and Parliament were at war, he said: 'Whaat! Has them two fallen out then?'

Many 'people-of-substance' tried NOT to commit themselves – some families put a son in both sides so they would come out well whoever won.  Many others, however, felt they had to choose between the 'Cavaliers' on the king's side, and the 'Roundheads' who supported Parliament.  Should they take up arms (fight) for the king or for Parliament?

So the nation was divided.  Friends and family often disagreed with each other.  It was time to decide.

The pictures below show typical representations of a Cavalier (left) and a Roundhead (right) as we imagine them today.  In real life, things were not so clear cut.  Few people dressed like this, and people often found it difficult to decide which side to support.

After you have studied this webpage, answer the question sheet by clicking on the 'Time to Work' icon at the top of the page.

Cavaliers versus Roundheads – a woodcut from the time. 

Links:

The following websites will help you research further:

Roundheads versus Cavaliers:

• Detailedwikipedia webpages on the Cavaliers and Roundheads

• Two recruitment posters - good idea - why not try to make your own?  

• A silly song from Horrible Histories - fun!