Summer of Spies at the National Civil War Centre

Throughout the centuries, Nottinghamshire has been the scene of some highly significant moments in British history. From rebel writers who widened the boundaries of literature to the emergence of the Luddite movement in the 19th century, our landscape has seen its share of dramatic revolution and revolt.

Newark’s National Civil War Centre tells of the bloody Civil War, which raged throughout the British Isles during the 17th Century. Nottingham’s central position within the UK made it a decisive location during the war. Not only did Charles I raise his royal standard at Nottingham Castle to commence the war, but he also found refuge in the nearby market town of Newark and its robust fortress by the river.

We were recently invited to the launch of the museum’s exciting Summer of Spies, and having been fascinated by the world of espionage when I was a child, I was excited to see what they had in store...
 

Having never been to the Civil War Centre before, and not too familiar with the ins and outs of the Civil War, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. With a modern facade leading to a 16th century hall and courtyard, the unusual building has a number of curious features to spot including a ‘half door’ on the outside of the building and schoolboy graffiti carved into the wooden beams in the hall. At the same time, there are utterly modern facilities and excellent accessibility throughout the building.

The museum itself tells you all you need to know about the nine-year war between King Charles I's Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads, and while some of the information may be quite challenging for younger children, there are lots of props, films, pictures and games to keep them engaged. Currently there are two exhibitions showing, Cutting Edge: The Changing Tools of War, and Shaking the Foundations: The Quest for Democracy, both of which run until November.

The quality of their presentation is one of the things I really appreciate about the Civil War Centre, not only within their exhibitions. Throughout their social media and website, you can find photography and films to to draw your interest, and the scenery, props, and acting mirror the quality modern day television. You can tell a good museum when they seamlessly cater for both children and adults within their exhibitions.
 

Now, down to the Summer of Spies!

Throughout the summer, until Sunday 2 September, the museum is hosting a range of activities exploring secret messages, disguises, codes and espionage during the Civil War. On the opening evening, a nearby school was had been invited, and upon our entrance we were met with bearded children, mini spies brandishing DIY telescopes, and a buzz of excitement from the children.

Out in the wide courtyard children were enjoying locating cypher wheels, firing the (very realistic) toy cannon, and putting on spy disguises. Flower gardens sit beneath the old stone walls, a there’s a big lawn for the children to play on. Inside, workstations packed with crafts were dotted around and I felt a small pang of nostalgia for a sunny school trips and being seven.
 

During the Summer of Spies, you can take part in numerous activities that have a creative edge and spur a sense of adventure. You can make a 17th Century spy kit, or learn about how to seal letters, create a new identity with a disguise, make the best secret hiding places or learn about invisible ink. The only danger might be if your child gets too adept at these skills!

We also heard from an anonymous spy, who told us about the inventive methods used to smuggle secret messages to Newark during the war. You can catch his story everyday throughout the Summer of Spies, along with performances from Aphra Behn, a playwright, poet, translator and spy who paved the way for women in literature for centuries after her death.
 

All in all, I think the Summer of Spies is going to be fantastic. The activities are creative yet educational, the exhibitions reveal a fascinating portrait of the turbulent Civil War, and the building is pleasant and well equipped. It is well worth exploring Newark further if you haven’t yet been. Within the town you can also see the ruins of Newark Castle, visit the bustling market place, and there are some great places to eat and drink.

The Summer of Spies runs until Sunday 2 September at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. You can also receive a 20% discount for families of any size when there is at least one paying child! To find out more, please click here.

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This blog was written by Sophie Gargett, Marketing Assistant at Visit Nottinghamshire.