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Open 24 April to 26 September 2010 |
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The Armoury
A unique exhibition that has become one of our most popular attractions...
The Armoury is a comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria recently acquired and redesigned by The Royal Gunpowder Mills with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The exhibition displays over 200 historic firearms covering the periods from the English Civil War to present day conflicts.
Our volunteer staff are happy to explain the science, technology and history of the various types of weapons on display which include heavy medium and light machine guns, sub machine guns, manual and self loading rifles, revolvers and pistols, mortars, rocket launchers and grenades.
Visitors are encouraged to handle and explore a variety of historic weapons - this "hands on" experience proves to be not only interesting and informative but also good fun.
The weapons come from all over the world and represent the small arms used by the major combatants from the English Civil War to present day conflicts.
The exhibition includes most of the weapons produced by the nearby Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, these include Bren guns including a rare 1938 dated MK1, .455 and .38 revolvers, Sten guns and rifles.
Hands on Displays
Helmets, hats, uniforms, badges, leather and webbing equipment, flags, swords, bayonets and spears complete the display and the comments in our visitor book confirm that it is well worth seeing The Armoury.
The collection is also open to be pre- booked by schools, local societies and other groups. Our new full time Manager can offer tours and presentations, as well as specially tailored educational packages on a variety of topics. He can also bring the collection to you, offering the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience at your school or other venue.
Group Visits, Education, and Outreach
With the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Armourynow has a full time Curator. This means that the collection is now open throughout the year for visits by pre-booked groups.
Visits can be individually tailored to the needs of each group, and include presentations by the Curator on a wide range of specialist subjects. These can be made to complement school curriculum requirements, or cater to the individual interests of clubs and societies.
A key part of these visits is the opportunity for visitors to get ‘hands on’ the collection and to have items of special interest explained and demonstrated.
Groups can learn about the lives of soldiers in conflicts over the past two centuries, as well as the local and social history behind the manufacture of weapons and explosives, and the fascinating engineering achievements they represent.
A key new service is our Outreach programme. If your group can’t make it to the collection here at the Mills, The Armoury can come to you. Our Curator is happy to visit schools and clubs in the region to offer presentations on a variety of topics related to the collection, and can bring handling objects with him to be enjoyed and explored at a venue of your choice. Contact the Curator for more details.
Dr. David Kenyon
The Armoury Curator
Dr David Kenyon is a military historian and archaeologist with a background in public presentation of historical topics. Before joining RGM he worked in historical interpretation for a number of Museums, as well as organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage. He has worked on TV and Radio as well as publishing several books and articles.
Get in touch:
Tel: 01992 707370
Email
Takes approximately 30 mins
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© 2009 Royal Gunpowder Mills |  |
Registered Charity No. 1062968 |  |