King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum

About the museum

The King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum was established in 1929 and tells the story of the King’s Own, the 4th Regiment of Foot, from its beginnings in 1680 to modern times. The regiment served around the world, including in small campaigns such as Abyssinia in 1868, and was linked to Lancaster from 1880, when it moved into Bowerham Barracks.

Today the museum is housed inside Lancaster City Museum on Market Square. A permanent display follows the regiment’s history through the centuries, including the First and Second World Wars, and temporary exhibitions are held from time to time. A modern army display covers the regiment’s service in Afghanistan in 2013.

The museum is a registered charity, receives no funding from the Army or the Ministry of Defence, and is supported by Lancaster City Council, which also administers the collection. Its website offers a large archive of photographs, soldiers’ stories and information on medals and objects.

Highlights

• Permanent display on the King’s Own from 1680 to the present day
• First World War and Second World War collections
• Medals, photographs and regimental archives
• Modern army display on service in Afghanistan, 2013
• Extensive online history site with soldiers’ stories

Permanent exhibition

• The King’s Own Royal Regiment – A permanent display on the regiment’s history from 1680, including the two world wars and the modern army.

Founded

1929

Operated by

Trustees of the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum (supported by Lancaster City Council)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are welcome, with donation boxes in the museum shop.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor can be reached by the main steps or a ramp beside the entrance to Lancaster Library. The regimental displays are on the upper floors, and a listing from the city museum reported that the stairlift was not working, so the galleries may not be reachable without climbing two flights of stairs. Check before visiting. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside.

Kids & families

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There is no baby-changing facility on site.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Market Square in the centre of Lancaster, inside Lancaster City Museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a shop in Lancaster City Museum. There are no public toilets on site; the nearest are in the Marketgate Shopping Centre.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit