Chapter 28
In This Chapter
● Taking a tour around Britain’s best military museums
● Seeing the weapons, uniforms, and equipment up close and personal
Reading about British military history is one thing, but visiting a museum and seeing artefacts and uniforms with your own eyes really is something else. This chapter lists my favourite military museums in Britain, broadly in order of chronological interest, and gives contact details should you wish to find out more.
Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland
Sited on the most spectacular section of Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads is a great site to visit to find out about the Roman army in Britain. Vindolanda Museum (another important Roman site, housing the Roman Army museum) is nearby. Tel: 01434 344363; Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk
The Tower of London
The White Tower is one of the finest examples of a Norman keep enclosed by later medieval concentric defences. The Museum of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is also located within the Tower of London. Tel: 0870 756 6060; Web: www.hrp.org.uk
Caernarfon Castle
Many people consider Caernarfon in north Wales to be the finest of Edward I’s castles. The Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers is located in the Queen’s Tower. Tel: 01443 336000; Web: www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle occupies a naturally strong position made virtually impregnable by fortification. Within the Castle are the Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (formed by the amalgamation of the 3rd Carabiniers and the Royal Scots Greys), the Museum of the Royal Scots Regiment, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the Scottish United Services Museum. Tel: 0131 225 9846; Web: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
A world-famous collection of arms and armour, with state-of-the-art displays showing how they were used. Tel: 0113 220 1916; Web: www. royalarmouries.org
Firepower! The Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich
Displays include the evolution of artillery from the earliest guns to the present time, including weapons captured by the British army on campaign. Tel: 020 8855 7755; Web: www.firepower.org.uk
The Imperial War Museum, London
A museum covering all aspects of the World Wars and more recent conflicts involving the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The museum possesses an enormous photographic archive. Tel: 0207 416 5320; Web: www. iwm.org.uk
The National Army Museum, London
Exhibits providing information from the beginnings of the British Army to the present day, the Indian Army to 1947, and Colonial land forces. Tel: 020 7730 0717; Web: www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
The Tank Museum, Bovington
One of the largest and most comprehensive collections of armoured fighting vehicles in the world, including some of the earliest examples. Incorporates the Royal Tank Regiment Museum. Tel: 01929 405096; Web: www.tankmuseum. co.uk
The D Day Museum, Southsea
Detailed displays covering the D Day Landings and the campaign in Normandy. The Embroidery is a modern counterpart to the Bayeux Tapestry and tells the full story of D Day in 34 panels. Tel: 023 9282 7261; Web: www.ddaymuseum. co.uk