King's Own Royal Regiment Museum
The King's Own Royal Regiment Museum was opened in 1929, based within Lancaster City Museum. The original collections were formed from historic items kept by the various battalions of the Regiment. Some dating back to the very early days of the Regiment in the late 17th Century. The items were brought together under one roof, and the museum was rapidly expanded. In the 1930s a sizeable collection of exhibits, archives, books and photographs was built up.
Discover the fascinating history of the King's Own soldiers who have served the country in peace and war. The museum brings to life the story of the soldiers who served against Napoleon, Kaiser William and Adolf Hitler. It's not all bullets and bombs though. Objects and photographs, medals, fascinating letters, carefully crafted silver and works of art bring home the real nature of military service
The museum, housed in the old Town Hall of 1783, was the first municipal museum to include a regimental museum. It tells the story of the King’s Own Royal Regiment from 1680 to the present day. Topics covered include the Napoleonic campaigns, the Crimean War, the expedition to Abyssinia, both World Wars and subsequent operations and events in which the regiment has participated. Displays include a social history of soldiers who served in the Regiment. There is extensive archive material which is accessible by appointment.
The busy Museum also houses archives, books and photographs relating to the Regiment and is a valuable source to the military researcher and family historian.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
The Regimental Museum is located within the City Museum, Market Square, Lancaster.
The Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and admission is free.
The museum is closed between Christmas and New Year.
Admission charges:
Adult: Free
Seniors: Free
Groups: By appointment
Children: Free
School Parties: By appointment
How to get there:
Located in pedestrian City centre 5 minutes walk from railway station. By road: A6, M6 (J33 South or J34 North)
Other: Disabled access. Research facilities.
Address:
King's Own Royal Regiment Museum
City Museum,
Market Square,
Lancaster,
LA1 1HT
EVENTS:
Monday 6th September 2010
WFA Talk - 'German Commerce Raiders' by Dr. Graham Kemp.
Friday 10th September 2010 - Heritage Open Days Event
Lunchtime talk: Archives from the King's Own Royal Regiment.
A look at some of the archives in the regimental collection dating from the 1680s with some advice for family historians.
Time 13.00 to 14.00. Education Room, access from New Street. Free.
Saturday 11th September 2010 - Heritage Open Days Event
King's Own on Parade
Meet a soldier character of the King's Own and learn about army life with objects to handle.
Time 13.30 to 16.00. Drop in session, no booking required. Free.
Monday 4th October 2010
WFA Talk - 'War Graves and Things' by David Shackleton.
Monday 1st November 2010
WFA Chairman's Night
Monday 6th December 2010
WFA Annual General Meeting and Christmas Social