From foreign invasion to contests for the crown, civil war, rebellion in the realm and revolution in the Colonies, the Army’s role in creating the nation state of Great Britain, as we recognise it today.
NAM 1988-11-1
This gallery tells the story of the British and their Army from 1066 through to 1783, a period that witnessed both the forging of the modern nation state and the creation of a distinct British national identity. It was also an era marked by overseas expansion and the beginnings of a trading empire.
From foreign invasion to contests for the crown, from civil war at home to rebellion in the colonies, the gallery investigates the Army’s role in creating the nation state of Britain we recognize today.
It also explores wider themes such as the control and organization of the army, the daily life of the soldier and civilian perceptions of the Army.
Life-size figures include an Agincourt archer, a Burgundian hand gunner, a Royalist cavalryman and an 18th century rifleman of the Queen’s Rangers.
Visitors can try on an English Civil War helmet, and feel the weight of a contemporary cannon ball and chain-mail armour.
NAM 2002-11-682
The difficult and dangerous life of the British Redcoat is brought to life by interactive sound and visual displays.
