English Civil War: Muskets, Wall Gun & Pikes
13 & 14 June 2026
Step back into the turbulent 1640s and experience history brought vividly to life at our English Civil War Weekend. This immersive event recreates the sights, sounds, and stories of a nation at war, as Parliamentarian and Royalist forces clash in a dramatic living history experience suitable for all ages.
Across the weekend, visitors will encounter authentic soldiers, skilled craftspeople, thunderous firepower, and hands-on activities that reveal what life was really like during the English Civil War. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a family looking for an exciting day out, this event offers a unique chance to see, hear, and even take part in the past.
*In a change to the advertised activities, the cannon demonstration will now be replaced by a wall gun demonstration.*
Event Schedule
10:00 - 16:30 Children’s Printing Activity at the Printing Press
10:45 - 17:00 Rawdon’s 17th Century Campsite
11:00 - 12:15 Children’s Pike Drill, followed by Hunt the Roundhead
11:45 - 12:15 Children’s Craft Activities: Design your own Battle-Flag, Create a Miniature Drum, Make a Sweet-smelling Pomander
12:45 - 13:15 Wall Gun Demonstration and Drill
13:15 - 13:45 Soldiers Sutlery & Officer’s Dinner: Food at the Campsite
14:00 - 14:30 Regimental Drill
14:30 - 15:00 Soldier’s Pay at the Clerk’s Tent
15:00 - 15:30 Children’s Craft Activities: Design your own Battle-Flag, Create a Miniature Drum, Make a Sweet-smelling Pomander
15:30 - 16:15 Skirmish at Skippings Field
16:30 Lodging of the Colours
Soldiers, Weapons, and Battle Displays
Meet a full Regiment of Infantry with 60–80 Foot Soldiers, including Musketeers, Pikemen, and Gunners, drilled and equipped as they would have been in the 17th century. Throughout the day, soldiers demonstrate period drill, fighting techniques, and coordinated firepower, bringing military life of the Civil War into sharp focus.
See the impressive firing of a Wall Gun — a giant musket mounted on a gun carriage, once used to defend aristocratic homes and gentry estates. The weekend culminates in a thrilling Clash of Arms, as Parliamentarian forces attack the Royalists in a dramatic battle through the Chiltern village.
Living History and Civilian Life of the 1640s
Explore a bustling ‘Living History’ village featuring up to ten period tents, each portraying the people, skills, and crafts of the 1640s. Discover how soldiers and civilians lived, worked, and survived during wartime, with knowledgeable reenactors on hand to explain daily life.
Visit the Armour Tent to see — and under careful supervision, try on — authentic armour and weaponry from the period. Watch a working 17th-century printing press in action, demonstrating how news, pamphlets, and propaganda were produced during this pivotal era in British history.
Visit Leagrave Cottage to see a light display from the 17th Century and meet the wise woman
Family Activities and Young Recruits
Younger visitors can enjoy a range of hands-on activities, including creative printing sessions and craft activities using card and paper. Children can also take part in the popular ‘Children’s Drill’, where young recruits enlist as Pikemen in King Charles’ army and learn basic drill movements.
The adventure continues with the interactive ‘Hunt the Roundhead Spy’, encouraging children to explore the site while learning about the conflict in a fun and engaging way.
Kids can design their own battle-flag, create a miniature drum, make a sweet-smelling pomander.
Event Information
This is a Premium Admission Day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
Activities take place between 11am and 4pm
Take a Look at the Action
Here’s a quick look at the English Civil War re-enactors when they were training at the Museum in April 2025.
General Museum Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer.