‘Come and see what’s on show’: Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum reopens in Warwick

Now trustees are encouraging more people in Warwick and the surrounding areas - especially schools and organisations - to visit the museum in the Court House, Jury Street.

Its varied collection of military weapons, uniforms, medals, photos and some unusual displays are now housed in a setting which includes a modern heating and ventilation system, lighting to enhance what’s on show and measures offering better protection to its more delicate items.

Archivist Philip Wilson said a recent open event proved very popular, adding: “There must have been more than 1,000 during the day.”

A lift to the basement museum also gives better access and there is now room for wheelchairs to get around.

A joint bid by Warwick Town Council and the museum got £368,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a museum appeal raised £26,000, with additional funding, including from the town council.

The museum shows the history of the yeomanry’s founding in 1794 as a cavalry regiment and its service in the Boer War and both world wars, including its part in the defeat of the German Afrika Corps at the Battle of El Alamein.

On show is a field gun captured from the Turks in 1917 in what is known as The Charge at Huj, the last classic cavalry charge unsupported by artillery in British military history.

Entry is free and it is run by volunteers, including trustee Richard Hall, who said: “It’s not just for tourists, we want people living local to visit as well.”

For times and to arrange private group visits ring 492212.