The National Archives trip - Hurstpierpoint College

The National Archives trip

A group of Lower Sixth history students visited The National Archives last Thursday. The purpose of the trip was to further their knowledge of Charles I’s reign and the English Civil War before the final exam season approaches.

The National Archives is the official archive and publisher for the UK government and for England and Wales. It is the guardian of some of the most iconic national documents, dating back over 1,000 years. Located in Kew and overlooking a swan-inhabited lake, the large building was designed to withstand the impact of a nuclear attack. The original site was in Central London but was moved to Kew following its destruction in World War 2.

Under the watchful gaze of numerous security cameras, our students were able to handle century old historical artefacts relating to their course. Standout artefacts included handwritten legal complaints against the King, original leather-bound books and a marriage certificate of Prince Charles (later Charles II) dating back to 1618.

After a good lunch, we returned to the buses thoroughly enriched by an insightful trip Alex E, Lower Sixth student

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