The New Model Army Handout

Teach students about the New Model Army and its role in the English Civil War with this engaging history resource. Designed to support historical understanding, reading comprehension, research skills and independent learning, this resource explores how Parliament’s army helped shape England’s political future.

What’s Included?

Information Sheet: An introduction to the New Model Army, its formation, organisation and historical significance.
Historical Images: Visual resources featuring Oliver Cromwell, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Civil War weapons and military drill.
Timeline Activity: Key events from the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 to the Restoration in 1660.
10 Comprehension Questions: Questions covering important dates, people, battles and events.
Answer Sheet: Suggested answers to support marking and independent learning.
Historical Source Analysis: An extract from Joshua Sprigge’s Anglia Rediviva (1647), encouraging students to examine historical evidence.
Research and Reflection Activities: Tasks to develop questioning, interpretation, research and independent thinking.
Extension Activities: Word challenges, graphic organisers and reflection templates to support a range of learning needs.
Learning Objectives

Students will learn to:

Explain why Parliament established the New Model Army in 1645.
Identify key figures, including Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.
Describe important events such as the Battle of Naseby and the execution of Charles I.
Understand the army’s role in the establishment of the Commonwealth.
Develop chronological understanding and historical enquiry skills.
Interpret historical sources and consider different perspectives.
Suitable For

KS3 History
English Civil War and seventeenth-century British history
History revision and recap lessons
Independent learning and homework
Literacy and cross-curricular activities
Differentiated learning and historical enquiry
Why Use This Resource?

This resource combines factual information, visual materials, chronological activities, comprehension questions and historical source work. It can be used as a complete lesson, a short unit of work, a revision resource or a collection of activities to support students studying the English Civil War.

A versatile resource for helping students understand the New Model Army and its lasting impact on English history.