Teach any WJEC GCSE Wales in the era of the Civil War, 1603–c.1660, no prep needed!
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WJEC GCSE Wales in the era of the Civil War, 1603–c.1660
Written examination: 1 hour 30% of qualification 60 marks
Unit 1: An in-depth study on Welsh history
Learners will study one of the following six historical topics to undertake an in-depth study that will provide them with an insight into the development of Wales at a specific point in time. Each option will be assessed by compulsory questions. These will focus on
historical knowledge of the topic, second-order historical concepts and the
analysis and evaluation of historical sources and interpretations.
Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake an in-depth study that will provide them with an insight into the development of Wales at a specific point in time. Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.
Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following
historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
• continuity and change
• similarity and difference
• significance and impact
• cause and consequence.
Early Modern
Wales in the era of the Civil War, 1603–c.1660
In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
1.4.1 The reign of James I, 1603–1625
1.4.2 The drift to Civil War, 1625–1642
1.4.3 The importance of Wales in the Civil War, 1642–1651
1.4.4 The impact of the Civil War on Wales
1.4.5 From Republic to Restoration, 1651–1660
with the aim of developing their understanding of the conflict between early Stuart kings and Parliament, and its impact on Wales during the period from 1603 to c.1660.
Content and Amplification
Background: Wales and the Crown at the start of the seventeenth century
Learners should be aware of
- The general influence of politics, supporters and opponents of the King, and factors that shaped Welsh society and the Welsh economy from 1603
- The significance of religion in society: the power and influence of the Church, Protestants, Catholics and emerging Puritan beliefs in Wales
1.4.1 The reign of James I, 1603–1625
Learners should understand:
- James I’s approach to the kingdoms he ruled, including:
- His position as James I of England and VI of Scotland but referring to himself as King of Great Britain and Ireland
- Naming his heirs Prince of Wales – Henry in 1610, and Charles in 1616
- James I’s problems with religion in his kingdoms, including:
- The 1605 Gunpowder Plot and conflict with Catholics
- The 1611 King James Bible and conflict with Puritans
- James I’s problems with ruling his kingdoms, including:
- Difficult relations with Parliament
- Reliance on favourites including the Earl of Salisbury and the Duke of Buckingham
1.4.2 The drift to Civil War, 1625–1642
- The events of the Personal Rule of Charles I, including:
- Difficulties in raising money without Parliament through Ship Money and other means
- Archbishop Laud and the religious issues that led to war with Scotland from 1639 to 1640
- Events leading to the Civil War, including:
- Arguments with Parliament over financing the war in Scotland and dealing with the 1641 revolt in Ireland
- Parliament’s treatment of some of Charles’s closest advisers, including Laud and Strafford
- Wales and its support for the king during the reign of Charles I, including:
- Influential Welsh men, including Sir Robert Mansel of Margam and Sir John Owen
- The men of the Council of Wales and the Marches prior to its abolition in 1641
1.4.3 The importance of Wales in the Civil War, 1642–1651
- The role of Welsh military personnel in England, including:
- The importance of the Welsh contribution at the Battles of Edgehill and Newbury
- The use of the Welsh as foot soldiers and the life of a foot soldier, including, daily routines, rules for soldiers, uniform and weapons
- The strategic importance of Wales as a Royalist stronghold, including:
- The use of castles, including Harlech and Raglan, as strategic centres by Charles I
- The use of routes through Wales as a means of securing support from Catholic Ireland
- The significance of fighting within Wales, including:
- Key Parliamentary gains in Wales, including in Pembrokeshire
- The Battle of St Fagans, 1648
1.4.4 The impact of the Civil War on Wales
- The religious consequences of the War in Wales, including:
- The abolition of the Church of England
- Puritanism and the 1650 Act to increase its influence in Wales
- Social consequences of the War in Wales, including:
- The impact on those involved with the war, including the Women of Naseby
- The building of new estates from confiscated land, including the developments of Philip Jones of Llangyfelach
- Political consequences for Wales, including:
- The punishment of Welshmen who fought for the King
- The impact on the careers of the Welsh regicides
1.4.5 From Republic to Restoration, 1651ؘ–1660
- How Wales was governed in the 1650s, including:
- The Commonwealth for governing without a King
- Direct rule by Major-General Berry in Wales
- Conflicting loyalties in Wales, including:
- Royalist gentry working for the County Committees of the Republic
- Continuing support for the Royalist cause by most people in Wales
- The end of the republican experiment, including:
- Charles II being declared rightful king by Thomas Myddleton in Wrexham in 1659
- The restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660
References for Wales in the era of the Civil War, 1603–c.1660
Resource Examples For Wales in the era of the Civil War, 1603–c.1660
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Lesson Presentation:
Student Assessments:
