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Somerset Military Museum
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Established 1974
Location Taunton, Somerset

The Somerset Military Museum is a cool place to learn about military history! It's found inside the old Taunton Castle in Taunton, Somerset. This castle has been around since the 12th century. The museum is officially recognized and helps tell the story of Somerset's soldiers and their history. It covers events from 1685 all the way up to today. The museum even got a special grant of £10,000 to help fix things up and make it even better.

A Look Back: How the Museum Started

The Somerset Military Museum was created to keep important collections safe. These collections belonged to groups like the Somerset Light Infantry and the Somerset Volunteers.

Royal Visits to the Museum

The museum was officially opened on May 7, 1974. This special event was attended by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Later, on May 8, 1987, Queen Elizabeth II also visited the museum. She was with the Duke of Edinburgh during her visit.

What You Can See: Museum Exhibitions

The Somerset Military Museum has many interesting displays. These exhibitions are designed to show the history of Somerset's military groups. They are set up in two main ways. Some displays focus on different conflicts or wars. Other displays show what life was like for soldiers in these groups.

Special Items on Display

One cool item you can see is a silver model of the Gateway of India. This model was given to the Somerset Light Infantry in 1948. They were the last British military group to leave India at that time.

Stories of Famous Regiments

Another exhibition tells the story of Prince Albert's Somerset Light Brigade. This display talks about their part in the First Anglo-Afghan War. It also covers their involvement in the Battle of Jellalabad. You can also find exhibitions about other important groups. These include the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry, the West Somerset Yeomanry, the North Somerset Yeomanry, and the Somerset Rifles.

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