Aldershot Military Museum facts for kids
The Aldershot Military Museum is a cool place in Aldershot Military Town, England. It was started by Brigadier John Reed, who wanted to save the history of this important military town. He created a trust to raise money and bought the old barrack buildings where the museum is today.
The museum first opened its doors in 1984. It's located in two of the very last barrack bungalows built in the 1890s. These buildings are special because they are the only ones of their kind left! The museum shares the story of the British Army in Aldershot, which is known as the "Home of the British Army." It covers everything from when the Army first arrived in the 1850s until now. It also tells the history of the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough.
In 2014, the museum became part of the Hampshire Cultural Trust. The M and N Block barrack buildings, built in 1894, are officially protected as Grade II listed buildings. This means they are very important historical buildings.
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What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum has several exciting areas, each telling a different part of history.
The John Reed Gallery
This part of the museum is all about the military history of Aldershot. It shows how the military camp grew from 1854 to today. You can learn about the early days of the camp and how it became the important Aldershot Garrison we know now. This gallery was updated in 2001 and renamed after the museum's founder, John Reed.
The Montgomery Gallery
This unique building used to be at the home of Field Marshal Montgomery, a famous military leader. He had it built in 1947 to keep his wartime caravans safe. In 1995, it was moved to the museum. Here, you can see big military vehicles like field guns, tanks, and armoured cars.
The Rushmoor Local History Gallery
This gallery explores the history of the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough. It tells stories about the people and businesses that shaped these towns. You can see displays about George Potters, who made drums for the British Army. There's also a recreated Victorian shop and information about the French imperial family who lived nearby. You can also learn about the building of Farnborough Abbey and the local pottery industry.
The Cody Gallery
In 1908, something amazing happened in Farnborough: Britain's first powered flight! It was made by an American named Samuel Franklin Cody. The Cody Gallery has a recreated part of Cody's workshop. You can also see cool items like his flying helmet.
The Boyce Building
The Boyce Building was officially opened in November 2006. This wooden barrack block is from the 1930s and used to be at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Church Crookham. It was once the office for different army groups.
This building was carefully moved and rebuilt at the museum. Thanks to a grant, it now shows what life was like for the soldiers who lived in these barracks. You can learn about the Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Corps of Transport, and many battalions from the Brigade of Gurkhas who called this place home before it closed in 2000.
Gallery
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The N Block barracks of 1894 are Grade II listed buildings and house the museum
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The M Block barracks of 1894 are Grade II listed buildings and house the museum
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The barrack hut houses the museum archive
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Reconstruction of a Victorian barrack room
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Reconstruction of a 1950s barrack room
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The Cody Gallery
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An interactive Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle
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A uniform gallery in the museum
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The Montgomery Gallery houses a collection of historic vehicles
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Chieftain and Challenger tanks are among the museum's collection of military vehicles
