The new Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars – ‘Churchill’s Own’ opened in Warwick in April 2022. Despite being formed by the amalgamation of two long-standing cavalry regiments (The Queen’s Own Hussars and The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars) in 1993, this is the first time that the regimental collection has been brought together for display to the public in order to tell the story of Britain’s senior light cavalry regiment.
1 Trinity Mews is a Grade II-listed building located in Warwick’s artisan quarter. It consists of two exhibition floors with a mezzanine space used for the office, archive and library. The museum represents a modern framework fitted onto this 19th Century building, which began its existence as a glass works. Interestingly enough, the complex once served as a headquarters for the Warwickshire Yeomanry.
On entering the museum, visitors are first checked by ‘The Fighting Patrol’ - consisting of an 18th Century Dragoon (Trooper Thomas Brown, a regimental hero) at the Battle of Dettingen (1743), standing alongside his horse. Just forward of this splendid full-size model is his modern counterpart, a kneeling Queen’s Royal Hussar.
On the ground floor, visitors are introduced to the current regiment through artefacts and AV presentations, after which the tour route takes them back in time - covering operations in Bosnia, the Gulf, Northern Ireland, Malaya and Korea (to name but a few). A projection plays a recording of a Challenger 2 tank in action to further add to the atmosphere.
Visitors can then ascend past a timeline on the staircase into the main display galleries which depict the regimental exploits of both World Wars, the Crimean and Napoleonic campaigns, along with other conflicts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The World Wars section shows the difficult transition from horse to tank, as Hussars began to contend with the difficulties of mechanised warfare. Saddles are placed near the tank suits to illustrate the extreme change that occurred within a few decades. Objects of note include a 3rd Hussars regimentally-marked ‘Brodie’ helmet alongside a complete mannequin in period-correct equipment.
The museum is also looking forward to furthering its display by introducing the accoutrements of Field Marshal Haig (1861-1928). Haig served in the 7th Hussars in his youth, and the museum is delighted to hold his sword and cap in its reserve collection. Once restorative work has been completed, it is hoped that these items will go on display.
Two predecessor regiments (the 4th and 8th Hussars) took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854. The museum has a number of artefacts associated with the neighbouring Crimean War gallery, including Florence Nightingale’s (1820 - 1910) bandages. Next to this display is a Napoleonic section, complete with a trumpet used by the 7th Hussars at Waterloo (1815).
A must-see is the sword of Sir Thomas Brown (1705 - 1746) in the Dettingen Display. His bravery in rescuing the regimental guidon earnt him a knighthood on the battlefield from George II (1683 - 1760). It must have been quite a sight, as Brown lost two fingers and much of his nose in the action.
Interspersed are ceremonial and weaponry displays, works of regimental artists, a mockup of an officers’ room from the late 19th Century, and an interactive medal display. True to the regimental soubriquet of ‘Churchill’s Own’, the museum also plays host to a unique collection associated with Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965), who was commissioned into the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars and spent many of his formative years as a young officer with them. Included in the display are his telescope and the Meerut Tournament Polo Cup of 1899, which he won for the regiment.
The mezzanine level is not open to the public but provides office space for the curatorial team and houses an extensive collection of primary / secondary sources including manuscripts and journals outlining the regiment’s history over the last 338 years. Researchers are encouraged to make an appointment in the future if they are interested in the material.
This summer will see the re-design of a part of the ground floor of 2 Trinity Mews (the second building of the museum complex). This will accommodate a multi-media gallery appertaining to pageantry and ceremony associated with Major Sir Michael Parker KCVO, CBE, late QOH. He masterminded events such as the Berlin Tattoo and Royal Tournament, along with numerous national and international ceremonial events, the records of which can now be housed in purpose-built displays. This building will also house a multi-faceted space offering facilities for other events including talks, presentations and educational activities.
The opening of the Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars – ‘Churchill’s Own’ has only been possible due to the incredible generosity and the boundless help offered by many who rallied around at specific times of need.
The aim is to keep the regiment’s history vibrant and accessible. The trustees and staff are therefore delighted to present to the public a space that is entertaining for all – with a handling collection, informative galleries, interactive displays and even an armored car in the courtyard. We hope to see you here in the future.
Trinity Mews, Priory Road, Warwick, CV34 4NA, United Kingdom
1st April – 31st October.
Friday 1000 – 1700,
Saturday 1000 – 1700,
Sunday 1000 – 1500,
Bank Holidays 1000 -1600.
Last entry one hour before closing.
There are good train and bus links to Warwick.
The museum is a 15-minute walk from Warwick town center bus station; it is also close to the railway station, which can be reached in a 10-minute walk.
There are a few car parking spaces reserved for disabled visitors at the museum itself but for other visitors, the nearest car park is in Priory Road just 250 meters from the museum. Parking is also available at St Nicholas Park some 500 meters away.
Coach parties can set down outside the museum but the coach itself will then have to move on to St Nicholas Park.
Adults: £6
Children (aged 5 – 16 years old): £3
Family Group of 4 (with children up to 16 years old): £12
Children under 5 years old: Free Entry
Seniors over 65 years old, Students and Disabled Persons: £4
Members of the regiment and registered members of the Regimental Association.
Our UK landline is 01926 402459 or you can email the museum at info@qrhmuseum.com
Find out more at www.qrhmuseum.com
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Jack Bolton is the Curator of The Queen's Royal Hussars Museum, having previously worked there as a volunteer from 2019. His previous roles include assistant positions to three Members of Parliament, as well as a short stint in acting. He graduated from Cambridge University in 2018 and currently lives in Warwick.