Take advantage of these special seasonal workshops for schools
To Kill a King
This is a special programme of visits devised and delivered jointly with Historic Royal Palaces at the Palace of Westminster and Banqueting House.
This whole day session is a unique opportunity for Key Stage 3 students to follow in the footsteps of King Charles I through his trial, sentencing and execution.
Students will start the day in the Palace of Westminster where they will explore the context for the trial by assembling the case for the prosecution. With their arguments ready they will try the king in Westminster Hall, the location of the actual trial, before passing sentence.
In the afternoon the action will move to Banqueting House, the location of the king's execution, where students will explore the monarch's point of view and be able to question King Charles I further.
The day is designed to be a memorable introduction and uses source material, unique access to historic locations and costumed interpreters to bring the topic to life. No prior work or knowledge will be assumed.
The 'To Kill a King' visits are available to groups of up to 35 (to include students and teachers) in years 7-9.
Available dates and times
The next 'To Kill a King' workshop dates will be announced here in due course.
Itinerary
| Time |
Itinerary of the day |
| 09.45 |
Arrive at Cromwell Green entrance, pass through security checks and proceed to Westminster Hall where you will be met by facilitators from Parliament’s Education Service |
| 10.00 – 10.40 |
Introduction to day and sourced based activities |
| 10.40 – 11.00 |
Students to meet Charles I and interview him |
| 11.00 - 11:15 |
Break |
| 11.15 – 11.55 |
“Rump Parliament” debate and vote |
| 12.00 – 12.20 |
Students sentence the king |
| 12.20 – 13.30 |
Lunch and travel to Banqueting House |
| 13.30 – 13.40 |
Arrival at Banqueting House to be met by facilitator from HRP. Briefing on Whitehall Palace |
| 13.40 – 13.55 |
Recap on morning’s events & Parliamentarian perspective |
| 13.55 – 14.20 |
Introduction to Royalist perspective. Students prepare to interview the king |
| 14.20 |
Students to meet the King and put their questions to him |
| 14.45 |
Brief summary and Q&A |
| 14.55 |
Final vote and evaluation |
| 15.00 |
Finish |