What is it?

A real pistol from the 1640s in the style that would have been used in the English Civil War. The English Civil War took place from 1642 to 1651. It was a series of battles between the supporters of King Charles I and the supporters of parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell. The war ended with King Charles I being executed, followed by 11 years without a king or queen. One of the biggest battles in the English Civil War was called the Siege of Gloucester, and took place in the very city where our building is located! In the English Civil War, soldiers on horseback would often carry one pistol on each hip as they were much easier to fire while riding a horse than a long musket would have been. Unlike modern guns, these pistols had to be loaded via the front of the gun, or "muzzle". First, soldiers would pour gunpowder into the muzzle, then a round bullet, which they would push down with a stick or "ramrod". These types of guns were very unreliable. If it was raining and the gunpowder got wet, they might not fire. But sometimes, they went off on their own! If a burning ember was left inside of the gun after it was fired, then it might make the next batch of gunpowder explode as the soldier poured it down. You can see the kinds of bullets the pistol would have fired in the same cabinet. The bullets were collected from the battlefield and look very different to modern ones!

Where is it?

You can find it at The Folk of Gloucester

On the first floor at the front of the building - turn Left at the top of the staircase. If you're unsure, ask a member of staff or a volunteer - they are very friendly!

When can I see it?

You can see this right now!

Can I collect it?

This item can't be collected at the moment but check back in the future!