1800s

The defence of Rorke’s Drift 22-23 January 1879

Defence of Rorke’s Drift

This battle took place on 22-23 January 1879. A huge force of Zulus attacked a small British garrison, but was eventually repelled after more than 12 hours of bitter fighting.

Sir William Inglis, 1820

William Inglis: The original die-hard

Major-General Sir William Inglis had a long and successful career. But it was his actions in the Peninsular War, when he showed enormous personal courage and leadership under fire, that earned him national fame.

Thin Red Line, 1854

Battle of Balaklava

The Battle of Balaklava in 1854 witnessed one of the most famous acts of battlefield bravery and one of the most infamous blunders in military history.

Thomas the cavalry horse, c2012

Horse heroes

Horses have played a vital role in supporting soldiers on and off the battlefield. Explore the stories of some of the most incredible horses in British military history.

Explore 1800s events

School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

’Mutinous Sepoys’, c1857
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

The Indian ‘Mutiny’? (virtual)

Analyse evidence from documents and artefacts, then curate an exhibition to make a case for whether the conflict was a mutiny or war of independence.

The Indian 'Mutiny'?
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

The Indian ‘Mutiny’?

Analyse evidence from sources and artefacts to make a case for how the 1857 uprising in India should be interpreted.

Florence Nightingale tending to wounded soldiers at Scutari Hospital
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary (virtual)

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
SEND
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary (SEND)

Find out about the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and how they helped the soldiers in the Crimea.

Explore 1800s learning resources

Marvellous Mary Seacole
Home Activity

Marvellous Mary Seacole

Discover more about Mary Seacole and her work with British soldiers during the Crimean War.

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt
Trail

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt

Go on a hunt to find out more about how Florence and Mary cared for sick and injured soldiers during the Crimean War.

Florence Nightingale in the Military Hospital at Scutari, 1855
Quiz

Florence and Mary in the Crimean War: Quiz

Put your knowledge of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole to the test in this interactive quiz.

Operation Science: Signals
Video

Operation Science: Signals

Step into the world of Army signalling and discover some of the methods soldiers have used to communicate.

How to Draw: Victorian edition
Home Activity

How to Draw: Victorian edition

Use our step-by step instructions to have a go at drawing items related to Florence Nightingale.