Event Type: Local / Community

Takes Place: 26th November 2025

Time: 14:00-15.00

Venue: Royal Armouries, Leeds and Online

Description: The first half of the seventeenth century was gripped by a power struggle between monarchy and Parliament. The question of who held ultimate control over political and religious matters in Great Britain were hotly debated and fought over. In the summer of 1641, England seemed ready to return to peace after King Charles I agreed to work with Parliament. But a dramatic series of events, driven by principles, fear, and miscalculation, led the country to dissolve into civil war. Come along to this talk by Dr. Jonathan Healey as he explores how the country veered into conflict. Who were the key personalities involved, and how was the crisis experienced and driven by ordinary people? Join us for this fascinating, and revealing, picture of a nation suddenly in freefall.

How to book: This lecture will be presented in-person at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds and streamed live online. You can book a ticket at the website below. You will receive a link to join the online presentation in your booking confirmation. This is a free lecture please consider making a donation when booking.

Price: £0

Email: samantha.vaughn@armouries.org.uk

Website: https://royalarmouries.org/leeds/whats-on/england-on-the-brink-of-civil-war-1642

Organiser: Royal Armouries

Lecturer: Dr Jonathan Healey, Associate Professor in Social History, University of Oxford