The Role of Monarchy
The role of the British Monarch has changed since the time of King Charles I.
Between 1642 and 1646, England was torn apart by a civil war. Supporters of King
Charles I fought supporters of Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell.
the Leaders
Charles I
1. Why did the two sides go to war?
2. Who won the war?
3. What happened to the king?
4. What happened to Oliver Cromwell?
Oliver Cromwell
Find out more about Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Write down 3 interesting facts
about each. Share your findings with the class.
Charles I
1.
2.
3.
Oliver Cromwell
1.
2.
3.
Useful websites:
www.bbc.co.uk/history/british and click on Historic Figures or Civil War and
Revolution
www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk and click on English Civil War and then Political
and Religious Figures
The role of Queen Elizabeth II is very different from that of Charles I. Find out
more about the Queen’s role today and share your findings with the class.
Task 1
What is the role of the Queen today?
Task 2
Write down 3 interesting facts about the Queen or about her
working day.
1.
2.
3.
Task 3
1. Every year the Queen ‘opens’ Parliament. What does this mean?
2. What traditional customs during the State Opening of Parliament
remind us of Parliament’s history?
3. What is the Queen’s Speech? Who writes the Speech?
Useful websites:
www.royal.gov.uk
www.parliament.uk/education