Cartoon images from Cavalry Comics project

Cavalry Comics

Cavalry Comics was one of the Hadrian’s Cavalry learning projects. This comic was inspired by facilitated visits to Hadrian’s Wall, exhibition venues and taking inspiration from the objects on display. Themes included:

  • Looking good! - the equipment of cavalryman and horse
  • Who do you think they are? - exploring ethnicity of Roman cavalrymen and breeds of horse
  • Don’t mess with me! - exploring, patrolling, policing and hunting down the enemy
  • Know your place! - forts, organisation and formations

Comic artist Jim Medway worked with three groups of young people to create a comic about Roman cavalry over the summer of 2017.

Highlights

Tullie House Museum Youth Panel at the Turma re-enactment event, Carlisle

 

Cavalry Comic - drawing of a cavalry riderCartoon of a Roman cavalry rider waiting for the portaloo

Allendale Cubs visit to Tullie House Museum

Cartoon of a Cub holding a Roman shieldCartoon of Cubs literally putting themselves in a Roman's shoes

Tullie House Youth Panel walk along Hadrian's Wall

Drawing of Youth Panel walking along Hadrian's WallCartoon of sheep wondering why people are walking in the rain

Milecastle Primary visit Segedunum

Cartoon of primary school pupil looking at a replica Roman horseCartoon of primary school children pretending to be sleeping cavalrymen

See all the illustrations

Take a look at the full version in:

Thoughts by the artist:

"Over the last ten years or so, I’ve been running Create Comics sessions across the UK and beyond, with all ages and backgrounds. I’ve helped many a group explore the basic skills needed to create their own comic this has spanned from primary school settings right through to community settings.  Hadrian’s Cavalry Comic Project is my favourite kind -  a project that helps young people engage with history and communicate their enjoyment and learning.

I always aim to make sure the participants are central to whatever they are creating. By drawing simple ‘Charlie Brown’ versions of themselves, children can become the protagonists in any story which gives them something more tangible to imagine. This avoids the sometimes narrow and uninspiring superheroes they often feel they should be inventing."

- artist Jim Medway

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Hadrian’s Cavalry partners Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and Vindolanda Trust for hosting and facilitating sessions with the young people.

Thanks to staff from Allendale Cubs and Milecastle Primary School.

And the largest thanks of all goes to the young people who took part:

Want more art inspiration?

Check out the Diary of a Hadrian's Cavalry artist.

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In this section

Not just Romans!
Jaw-dropping geology, formidable fortresses, intriguing science, stunning art... Hadrian's Wall Country offers experiences across the National Curriculum.
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Facts and figures
"The World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall is over 1,800 years old. It stretches 150 miles across the country, crossing Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
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Interactive experiences for schools
Pupils of all ages are bound to enjoy experiencing Hadrian's Wall at first-hand with some focused activities. Here are some highlights:
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