They enjoyed a history lesson with a difference in Honley.
And the students at the Honley High School certainly enjoyed the chance to re-enact a bloody part of English history.
Some 220 students got the chance to experience the thrills and spills of the English Civil War this week.
Year 8 pupils discovered what life was like for ordinary people during this bloody conflict which left over 100,000 people dead.
Hands-on activities for the students included dressing in soldiers’ uniforms and clothes from the 1640s, taking part in role play activities, and holding weapons of war.
All sessions over three days were led under the expert tuition of Colonel Granville Thomas, who travels the country leading education projects for schools.
A highlight was the firing of a Falconette artillery gun which students got the opportunity to load and clean.
They were also able to sample food and drink typical of the 17th century and experience what it was like to fight in a battle.
History teacher Katie Rourke said this was her sixth time she had been involved in the project and students never tired of playing their part.
She said: “We teach the Civil War so obviously it’s useful to support learning with this kind of event.
“The kids always enjoy it and it gives them more of an understanding of what it was actually like to live through it.”
As well as providing expert tuition on handling firearms Col Thomas also supplied trays of 17th century staple foods such as figs and apricots, cheese, bread and capons.
These were the reactions of some of the students.
Abigail: “I have had a really good day here so far. I enjoyed watching them fire the cannon and the musketeer’s tool. It was quite scary at first because I don’t like loud noises but it was an amazing experience.”
Taylor said: “Holding a gun was a once in a lifetime chance. It was amazing.”
