1. Museum History

A brief history of the Royal Armouries museum.

2. Museum History

The Royal Armouries is Britain’s oldest museum, and one of the oldest museums in the world.

3. Leeds History

The history of the Royal Armouries from 1996, in its new purpose built museum in Leeds

4. Armouries in the Tower of London

A history of the Armouries at the Tower of London.

5. Hands on History

A free interactive exhibition at the Royal Armouries in the Tower of London, exploring 10 centuries of Tower history.

6. Tower of London Events

Experience 1000 years of history at the world famous White Tower at the Tower of London, home to the Royal Armouries.

Special exhibitions
Object handling area
Interactive area

Click here for more information about current events in the White Tower.

7. Fort Nelson Events

Big guns
Gun firing
Large scale military tattoos and fly pasts
Explore underground passages
Children’s activities

Click here for more information about current events at Fort Nelson.

8. Leeds Events

Live combat displays by knights in shining armour
Special exhibitions and children’s activities

Click here for more information about current events in Leeds.

9. Events

Events and activities for all the family at the Royal Armouries in Leeds: Jousting, knights fighting, costumed story telling and five floors of displays. One of the greatest collections of arms and armour in the world.

10. 16th – 17th century

History of the Armouries at the Tower of London during the 16th – 17th century.

11. 17th – 19th century

History of the Armouries at the Tower of London during the 17th – 18th century.

12. 19th – 21st century

History of the Armouries at the Tower of London during the 19th – 21st century.

13. Research

The Royal Armouries encourages research into arms and armour and related subjects from all periods of history from antiquity to the present day.

14. Specialist Enquiries

Our team of specialists are able to answer all kinds of enquiries on the subject of arms and armour, related material, and of course its related history and the history of the Tower of London.

15. Events

Over the past 1,000 years the Tower of London has been used as a menagerie, armoury, mint and prison. Today it is a flagship museum showcasing the Royal Armouries’ glittering collection of arms, armour and historical artefacts.

16. Galleries

The Royal Armouries galleries on floor 3 of the Frazier International History Museum provides an introduction to, the ancient and massive collections of the Royal Armouries and to the more focused displays of the rest of the Frazier Museum.

17. Reception

The Reception area to the Royal Armouries galleries in Louisville is on floor 3 of the museum. A Tower Warder stands in front a mass display of arms and armour and cannon, pointing the way in.

18. Early Medieval Gallery

A gallery telling the story of the early Medieval period of European history.

19. Tournament Gallery

The tournament gallery has a performance area for the telling of stories and giving demonstrations, and it has Italian and English jousting armours from the early 17th century.

20. Tudor Gallery

A gallery telling the story of the Tudor period of English history.

21. Stuart Gallery

A gallery telling the story of the Stuart period of British history, and where Europe meets America.

22. British Empire in the 19th century

This gallery tells the story of the British Empire in the 19th century, particulary that of the Napoleonic and Crimean Wars.

23. Late Medieval Gallery

A gallery telling the story of the late Medieval period of European history.

24. Fort Nelson

The library at Fort Nelson collects material on the history and development of artillery and fortification, and includes special collections of early books, handbooks, and drill manuals.

25. Leeds

The library in Leeds is in purpose built accommodation and houses the majority of the Royal Armouries archives and books, including rare manuscripts.

26. History of the Collection

A history of the Royal Armouries and its collection from its founding in the Tower of London to the present day.

27. Early Scholars

The subject of arms and armour as an academic discipline owes its origins to a small group of 19th and 20th century gentlemen scholars.

28. Robert Coltman Clephan

A brief account of the work and life of Robert Coltman Clephan (1839-1922)

29. Baron de Cosson

A brief account of the work and life of Baron de Cosson (1846-1929)

30. Harold Arthur Lee-Dillon

A brief account of the life and work of Harold Arthur Lee-Dillon, 17th Viscount of Costello-Gallen (1844-1932)

31. Charles John ffoulkes

A brief account of the life and work of Charles John ffoulkes (1868-1947)

32. John Hewitt

A brief account of the life and work of John Hewitt (1807-1878)

33. Sir Guy Francis Laking

A brief account of the life and work of Sir Guy Francis Laking (1875-1919)

34. Lt. Gen. Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers

A brief account of the life and work of Lt. Gen. Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers (1827-1900)

35. General Sir John Lefroy

A brief account of the life and work of General Sir John Lefroy (1817-1890)

36. Sir James Mann

A brief account of the life and work of Sir James Mann (1897-1962)

37. Sir James Mann

A brief account of the life and work of Sir James Mann (1897-1962)

38. Samuel Rush Meyrick

A brief account of the life and work of Samuel Rush Meyrick (1783-1848)

39. Robert Porrett

A brief account of the life and work of Robert Porrett (1783-1868)

40. 18th Century

18th century War gallery at the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds.

41. 19th Century

19th century War gallery at the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds.

42. History of Hunting

A brief history of hunting from the Hunting gallery at the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds.

43. Key Stage 4 History

Key stage 4 history sessions available at the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson.

44. AS Study Days

The Royal Armouries offers a unique opportunity to students studying at A level and AS level. You’ll have the opportunity to work with archive material and real objects.

45. History in your Hands Seminars

This series of seminars will give you an opportunity to experience first hand some of the finest objects from the Royal Armouries great collections.

46. Fortifications

Fort Nelson is a historic monument, restored to how it would have been in the 1890’s.

47. Collections Database

The object catalogue is a searchable database of the Royal Armouries collections presented through its image library and digital archives.

48. Foundation, Reception and Key Stage 1

Our foundation, reception and KS1 activities are cross-curricular and can be used to support study of a wide variety of subjects including History, Literacy, Technology and Science.

49. Storybox Sessions

These multi-sensory experiences aim to inspire, develop speaking and listening skills and support citizenship in the classroom.

50. Key Stage 2

The Museum contains a global collection that can be explored at first hand in our interactive sessions.

51. History: The Tudors

These exciting interactive handling sessions for KS2 are taught in the heart of the museum’s galleries; building direct connections between objects in the galleries and the themes & topics of the national curriculum.

52. History: The Victorians

In this truly interactive experience students explore the sight, smell and sounds of the past through investigating objects and gain a greater understanding of some key people and events of the 19th century and why we remember them today.

53. History: World War Two

Our WWII sessions explore the daily life of families during a conflict that spanned the Commonwealth. Using original & replica artefacts and clothing students will be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the 1940s.

54. Key Stage 3

Our collection is ideal for exploring conflict through time. We offer a wide range of sessions ranging from object-based sessions in our Education Centre which focus on original objects, to handling replica objects in the galleries.

55. History: Conflict Through Time

Our collection is ideal for exploring ideas of continuity and change over long periods of time, and the similarities and differences between people from different social classes.

56. Studies in Depth: Medieval Realms

These engaging sessions are great for exploring power and control in the medieval period. Students get the chance to try armour for size as they examine a range of objects from our fantastic handling collection.

57. Studies in Depth: The English Civil Wars

The English Civil Wars are a key period for understanding the changing relationship between Crown and Parliament. Our object based sessions engage pupils as historians and help develop chronological understanding through this unique period of change.

58. Studies in Depth: World War One

Few organisations can offer the range of objects and resources we have available for students of the First World War. Our collection is wide ranging, engaging and safe to handle.

59. Studies in Depth: Second World War

The fallout from the Second World War casts a long shadow over the second half of the twentieth century. Illuminate the period’s darker and colder corners with a fascinating range of objects from our handling collection.

60. Studies in Depth: Modern World

Our collection is a fantastic way of understanding the major changes in conflicts over the twentieth century, from the War to End All wars to the modern conflicts in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

61. Key Stage 4

Our incredible collection is perfect for investigating a wide range of subjects at GCSE.

62. Studies in Depth: Elizabethan England

Few organisations can offer the range of objects and resources we have available for students of the Tudors.

63. Studies in Depth: Modern World

Few organisations can offer the range of objects and resources we have available for students of the Modern World.

64. Studies in Depth: North America

Our collection can be used to support study of the North Americas at GCSE, either as an introduction or revision.

65. AS and A Level

The Royal Armouries education centre in Leeds offers a unique opportunity to students studying at A level and AS level. You’ll have the opportunity to work with archive material and study real objects.

66. History

These taught seminars, combine a presentation with first hand study of original and replica artefacts for a minimum of 15 students. Our Seminar Studies put AS and A2 students in touch with original archives as well as objects.

67. KS2: The Tudors

These packs include a QCA planning grid, and six weeks worth of classroom resources. All can be printed and photocopied for your use.

68. Teaching the GCSE History Pilot?

With a large and varied collection available, we can provide support for both core and optional units in the new OCR History Pilot. Our collection is ideal for study of the following elements of the Pilot:

69. Citizenship

By exploring the past your students will discover real life issues that directly relate to their daily lives and most importantly how they themselves can influence change at an individual, local and global level.

70. KS3: Suffragettes

Explore the concepts of power and those who were excluded from it and examine the Victorian idea of womanhood using original & replica clothing, newspapers and emphemeria.

71. KS3: Revolting Peasants & Cruel Conquerors

This interactive session explores peace & conflict through time from 1066 to Elizabeth I’s accession in 1558. Examining the feudal system, the peasants revolt, attitudes to women, faith and intolerance.

72. Learning

Information for teachers planning a group visit, INSET, online resources, and interesting facts and stories about arms and armour.

73. Buff coats and Baldricks

Information about buff-coats and baldricks suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

74. English Civil Wars Muskets

Information about muskets suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

75. Harquebusier armour

Information about harquebusier armour suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

76. Cuirassier armour

Information about cuirassier armour suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

77. Swords of the English Civil Wars

Information about Swords of the English Civil Wars suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

78. Pikemens armour

Information about Pikemen in the English Civil Wars; suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

79. Teachers notes: Littlecote House

Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

80. Task 1: Exploration of Littlecote House

Task 1: Exploration of Littlecote House.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

81. Task 2: Inside Littlecote House

Task 2: Exploration of Littlecote House.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

82. Task 3 Popham portrait

Task 3: Popham portrait.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

83. Task 4 Change over time

Task 4: Change over time.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

84. Curriculum links: Littlecote House

Curriculum links: Exploration of Littlecote House.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

85. Resources: Exploration of Littlecote House

Resources: Exploration of Littlecote House.
Teachers notes to accompany the Royal Armouries English Civil War module on Littlecote House.

86. Family and Local History Groups

We offer hour long sessions for up to 32 participants introducing key themes, ideas and objects from conflicts that local people or relatives may have played a role in.

87. Napoleonic Wars: 1792-1815

Find out what it was really like to serve in the British Army in the Napoleonic Wars.

88. George Francklin Atkinson and the Great Rebellion of 1857

This session tells the story of George Francklin Atkinson, a Captain in the Bengal Engineers who produced a unique and often quoted history of the 1857 rebellion in India.

89. The Boer War 1899-1901: Whalley’s War

Discover the reality of conditions in the Boer War through the eyes of Frederick Whalley, a bodyguard to Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces.

90. The First World War

What can we learn from photographs from the First World War? What do all those badges, chevrons, cap-badges and uniforms actually mean? This session gives you the opportunity to compare your own material with archival images from our collection.

91. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Great War

The creator of Sherlock Holmes campaigned for the introduction of helmets to the British Army in 1915-1916. Discover more about his designs for body armour.

92. Home Front and Front Line: 1914-1918

Investigate the home front with rarely seen panoramic photographs of a national filling factory at Chilwell and discover how Leeds company Greenwood and Batley contributed to the war effort and profited by it.

93. Explore Littlecote House

Adobe Flash® based interactive exploring the Popham Armoury and Littlecote House through paintings and objects from the Royal Armouries collection. Designed for Key Stage 3 study of the English Civil Wars. Designed for SmartBoard™.

94. Interactives

Try these fun interactive activities about the history of the Tower of London.

95. Prisoners in the Tower

In this fun interactive game you can discover about some of the Tower of London’s most famous prisoners.

96. Royal Menagerie

In this fun interactive timeline you can discover about the Tower of London’s Royal Menagerie.

97. Teachers Resources: Explore Littlecote House

Resources for teachers for use in the classroom along with the Explore Littlecote House interactive module, includes classroom tasks, teachers notes, links to further information, and resources for download.

98. Explore Littlecote House (without Flash)

Study the English Civil War through exploring Littlecote House. This section does not use Adobe Flash®.

99. Littlecote House

This gallery explores details of a landscape painting of Littlecote House, revealing interesting features and hidden meanings.

100. Littlecote House

This gallery explores details of a landscape painting of Littlecote House, revealing interesting features and hidden meanings.

101. Great Hall in Littlecote House

Littlecote House was home to the greatest surviving English Civil Wars armoury. Explore the photograph of the Great Hall and learn more about the arms and armour.

102. Great Hall in Littlecote House

Littlecote House was home to the greatest surviving English Civil Wars armoury. Explore the photograph of the Great Hall and learn more about the arms and armour.

103. Colonel Alexander Popham

Colonel Alexander Popham was commander in the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil Wars. He was also the owner of Littlecote House, which was an armoury and garrison.

104. Colonel Alexander Popham

Colonel Alexander Popham was commander in the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil Wars. He was also the owner of Littlecote House, which was an armoury and garrison.

105. Carbines and blunderbusses

Information about flintlock carbines suitable for KS3 History: English Civil Wars.

106. Tower of London

The library at the Tower collects material on the history of the Tower of London and its institutions, including the Board of Ordnance.

107. Malcolm Mercer

Malcolm Mercer is Curator of Tower History at the Royal Armouries Museum based at the Tower of London.