A comprehensive private collection of small arms and militaria. The exhibition displays over 200 working guns covering the periods from the English Civil War to present day conflicts - "Matchlock to Kalashnikov".
Curators 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 learn how to load, cock, aim and fire a variety of machine guns and rifles - this "hands on" experience proves to be not only interesting and informative but also good fun and we award certificates to those who qualify.
The weapons come from all over the world and represent the small arms used by all the major combatants in the English Civil War, Napoleonic, Crimean, American Civil, Zulu and Boer, First World, Spanish Civil, Second World, Korean, Vietnam, Arab-Israeli, Falklands, Gulf and Afghanistan wars and conflicts.
The exhibition includes most of the weapons produced by the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, Bren guns including a rare 1938 dated MK1, .455 and .38 revolvers, Sten guns and rifles.
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 "A Farewell to Arms".
Takes approximately 30 mins
