The Great Train Robbery 1963 Handout

Take students back to 8 August 1963 and one of the most famous crimes in British history with this engaging 25-page Great Train Robbery activity pack.

Students learn about the robbery of £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train travelling from Glasgow to London, the gang’s planning, the attack on train driver Jack Mills, the escape to Leatherslade Farm and the subsequent police investigation.

What’s Included

Detailed information sheet
Great Train Robbery timeline
10 comprehension questions
Location imagery
British Rail Class 40 activity
Source-analysis activity
Who, What, Where, When and Why activity
Great Train Robbery colouring/activity page
15 × 15 word-search challenge
Extension and reflection activity
K-W-L learning activity
Independent research task
Printable writing templates
Key Questions

Students answer questions such as:

What was the Great Train Robbery?
How did the gang stop the train?
How many robbers were involved?
Who led the gang?
What was the codename of the inside man?
Who was Jack Mills and what happened to him?
Where did the gang hide?
What sentences did the ringleaders receive?
What journey was the train making?
How many guns were used?
Develops Key Skills

This resource supports:

Historical enquiry
Chronology
Reading comprehension
Source analysis
Questioning
Independent research
Critical thinking
Vocabulary development
Written communication
The pack also includes a source-analysis activity encouraging students to consider what a source tells them, its limitations and what further questions they might ask.

Engaging Activities

Students can also create their own 15 × 15 word search, challenging a partner or teacher to find a selected word within 60 seconds.

The extension activity asks students to consider negative, positive and interesting aspects of the Great Train Robbery and formulate their own questions about the topic.

Perfect For

KS2 History
KS3 History
Crime and Punishment
Modern British History
1960s Britain
Historical enquiry
Homework
Cover lessons
Independent study
History clubs
Early finishers
Extension work
25-page printable resource | Great Train Robbery | 1963 | British History | Crime & Punishment | History Activities