King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

King's Own Royal Regiment Museum The King's Own Museum tells the story of the regiment from 1680 to the 1960s

๐Ÿต๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰This Friday is LANCASTER DAY - marking the 833rd anniversary of the signing of the town's first charter on 12 June 11...
09/06/2026

๐Ÿต๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰This Friday is LANCASTER DAY - marking the 833rd anniversary of the signing of the town's first charter on 12 June 1193!

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Admission to heritage sites including our museum is FREE on Friday, and there are events going on all over town right through the weekend.

Highlights include...
๐Ÿ“œ Two of Lancaster's earliest charters on display at the City Museum in Market Square (all 3 days).
โญ Pop-up heritage displays on Friday in the education room at the City Museum (entrance on New Street).
๐Ÿ’ฌ Talks at Lancaster Library, including a couple by our own museum staff... drop in at 10:30am on Friday to discover Roman Lancaster with Richard Whittaker, or join Carolyn Dalton at 3pm to learn about our Redevelopment Plans for the City Museum & King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
๐ŸŽต Tours, music, vintage vehicles and more!

๐Ÿ‘‰ See the full programme below or download it from https://lancasterbid.org/events/lancaster-day/
If clicking the link doesn't work, just copy it into your browser.

๐ŸŒ Officers of the Abyssinia Campaign  #2As part of our recent project to research and reinterpret the objects in our col...
07/06/2026

๐ŸŒ Officers of the Abyssinia Campaign #2
As part of our recent project to research and reinterpret the objects in our collection relating to the 1868 Abyssinia Campaign, we've been looking into the lives of the King's Own Officers involved in the expedition. This week we have the sad story of...
๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Thomas Burridge
Thomas entered the British Army as an Ensign on 5 November 1854. Within months, on 9 March 1855, he was promoted to Lieutenant from the rank of Quartermaster. During this early phase of his career, Burridge saw active service in the eastern campaign of 1854โ€“1855, including operations in the Crimea and the Siege of Sevastopol. For his service, he was awarded the Crimea Medal with three clasps, as well as the Turkish Medal. He later rose to the rank of Captain on 7 May 1866.
Thomas took part in the British Expedition to Abyssinia. Shortly after the expeditionโ€™s victory, and only days after the death of Empress Tiruwork Wube, Burridge fell ill and spent several days in hospital. Upon returning to camp, he tragically took his own life. Described in Lieutenant Borrettโ€™s letters as a man of notably gentle disposition, โ€œgood-tempered and excessively good-natured, never speaking unkindly of anyone behind his backโ€, who โ€œproved himself โ€“ especially during the Abyssinian Warโ€, his su***de reflected the ultimate and tragic effect of the psychological trauma that soldiers often experience in war. Thomas was buried the following evening at five oโ€™clock, without military display or funeral honours. In a detail noted with sadness by his comrades, he was carried to his grave by dooly bearers rather than by members of his own company. A Court of Inquest returned a verdict of temporary insanity; however, some officers believed that alcohol may have been an underlying factor in his death.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Find out more about the Abyssinia Project online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/museums/kings-own-royal-regiment-museum
(If clicking the link doesn't work, just copy it into your browser.)
๐Ÿ‘‰ Or visit the museum to see the new displays. Open 10:30-4pm every day except Weds & Thurs.

๐ŸŒ Officers of the Abyssinia Campaign  #1 As part of our recent project to research and reinterpret the objects in our co...
31/05/2026

๐ŸŒ Officers of the Abyssinia Campaign #1
As part of our recent project to research and reinterpret the objects in our collection relating to the 1868 Abyssinia Campaign, we've been looking into the lives of the King's Own Officers involved in the expedition. We'll be posting the results here over the next few weeks, beginning with...
๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Charles Edward Honghton Billing (1839-1875)
Pictured reclining at the bottom right of this group portrait, Charles was born in Dublin on 10 April 1839 and baptized in the same year at St Stephenโ€™s Church. He was the son of Theobald Billing, a solicitor, and Diana Ball. He spent his childhood in Dublin, residing at 41 Upper Mount Street, growing up alongside one brother and two sisters. When he reached the age of 18 Charles embarked on military service, enrolling as an Ensign in the 4th Kingโ€™s Own Regiment on 15 March 1857 and serving, the year after, as a Lieutenant in the fight against the rebellion of the Indian Mutiny campaign (1857-1858). After six years of military experience, on 8 August 1864, Charles gained the rank of Captain and, in the same position, fought in Abyssinia.
The 1870s were marked by personal tragedies for Charles: his father died on 24 March 1873 at the age of 85, and his brother Theobald on 3 October of the same year. Charles himself left the service in 1874 and died the year after, aged only 36.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Find out more about the Abyssinia Project online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/museums/kings-own-royal-regiment-museum
(If clicking the link doesn't work, just copy it into your browser.)
๐Ÿ‘‰ Or visit the museum to see the new displays. Open 10:30-4pm every day except Weds & Thurs.

๐Ÿ“ข TODAY at the Museum:PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN๐Ÿ•š Friday, 15 May  -  11am to 1pm  -  Lancaster City MuseumWe're working...
15/05/2026

๐Ÿ“ข TODAY at the Museum:
PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN
๐Ÿ•š Friday, 15 May - 11am to 1pm - Lancaster City Museum
We're working on plans for a complete redevelopment of the City Museum and the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum. Help shape the future by telling us what you'd like to see!
Come to the museum for a public drop-in session about our initial Redevelopment proposals. You can:
๐Ÿ‘‰ meet the Architects and Exhibition Designers.
๐Ÿ‘‰ see our initial thoughts on what we might do.
๐Ÿ‘‰ let us know what you think.

โ“ Can't make it in person? Tell us your thoughts online!
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://arcg.is/1GfrLq1

Your voice really matters. Even if you don't have strong opinions on the proposals, taking part will help us get the funding we need to make this ambitious project possible.
๐Ÿ™ Thank you!

If clicking the link above doesn't work, just copy & paste it into your browser - facebook often has trouble with web links.
You can also get to the survey from our homepage at www.lancaster.gov.uk/museums


๐Ÿ“ข PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN๐Ÿ•š This Friday, 15 May  -  11am to 1pm  -  Lancaster City MuseumWe're working on plans for a...
11/05/2026

๐Ÿ“ข PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN
๐Ÿ•š This Friday, 15 May - 11am to 1pm - Lancaster City Museum
We're working on plans for a complete redevelopment of Lancaster City Museum and the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum. Help shape the future by telling us what you'd like to see!
Come to the museum on Friday for a public drop-in session about our initial Redevelopment proposals. You can:
๐Ÿ‘‰ meet the Architects and Exhibition Designers.
๐Ÿ‘‰ see our initial thoughts on what we might do.
๐Ÿ‘‰ let us know what you think.

โ“ Can't make it in person? Tell us your thoughts online!
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://arcg.is/1GfrLq1

Your voice really matters. Even if you don't have strong opinions on the proposals, taking part will help us get the funding we need to make this ambitious project possible.
๐Ÿ™ Thank you!

If clicking the link above doesn't work, just copy & paste it into your browser - facebook often has trouble with web links.
You can also get to the survey from our homepage at www.lancaster.gov.uk/museums


TOMORROW at the City Museum, drop in for a new public talk courtesy of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum...๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Indian ...
10/05/2026

TOMORROW at the City Museum, drop in for a new public talk courtesy of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum...
๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Indian Troops in World War 1 - a talk by Bill Leigh.
Around 140,000 troops from British India were deployed to the Western Front in 1914โ€“15 to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force. Arriving via Marseilles, they fought in harsh, unfamiliar conditions in Flanders, playing a key role in early trench warfare, notably at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Despite initial success, their advance was halted by shortages and poor communication. Letters home highlight their resilience under extreme hardship. By late 1915, after heavy losses, the infantry was withdrawn, but their efforts were vital in stabilising the front and are commemorated at the Indian Memorial at Neuve-Chapelle.
๐Ÿ• Monday 11 May, - 1pm.
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Guests ยฃ3, Members Free.
๐Ÿต๏ธ In the Education Room at Lancaster City Museum: entrance on New Street, opposite the Journey Social cafe.

Drop in to the City Museum next week for a new public talk courtesy of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum...๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Indian ...
05/05/2026

Drop in to the City Museum next week for a new public talk courtesy of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum...
๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Indian Troops in World War 1 - a talk by Bill Leigh.
Around 140,000 troops from British India were deployed to the Western Front in 1914โ€“15 to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force. Arriving via Marseilles, they fought in harsh, unfamiliar conditions in Flanders, playing a key role in early trench warfare, notably at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Despite initial success, their advance was halted by shortages and poor communication. Letters home highlight their resilience under extreme hardship. By late 1915, after heavy losses, the infantry was withdrawn, but their efforts were vital in stabilising the front and are commemorated at the Indian Memorial at Neuve-Chapelle.
๐Ÿ• Monday 11 May, - 1pm.
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Guests ยฃ3, Members Free.
๐Ÿต๏ธ In the Education Room at Lancaster City Museum: entrance on New Street, opposite the Journey Social cafe.

๐Ÿ“ข PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN๐Ÿ•š Friday 15 May  -  11am to 1pm  -  Lancaster City MuseumWe're working on plans for a compl...
03/05/2026

๐Ÿ“ข PUBLIC CONSULTATION DROP-IN
๐Ÿ•š Friday 15 May - 11am to 1pm - Lancaster City Museum
We're working on plans for a complete redevelopment of Lancaster City Museum and the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum. Help shape the future by telling us what you'd like to see!
Come to the museum on 15 May for a public drop-in session about our initial Redevelopment proposals. You can:
๐Ÿ‘‰ meet the Architects and Exhibition Designers.
๐Ÿ‘‰ see our initial thoughts on what we might do.
๐Ÿ‘‰ let us know what you think.

โ“ Can't make it in person? Tell us your thoughts online!
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://arcg.is/1GfrLq1

Your voice really matters. Even if you don't have strong opinions on the proposals, taking part will help us get the funding we need to make this ambitious project possible.
๐Ÿ™ Thank you!

If clicking the link above doesn't work, just copy & paste it into your browser - facebook often has trouble with web links.
You can also get to the survey from our homepage at www.lancaster.gov.uk/museums


5th - 8th May - TEMPORARY CLOSUREIn preparation for the reinstallation of artwork on the main staircase, the King's Own ...
02/05/2026

5th - 8th May - TEMPORARY CLOSURE
In preparation for the reinstallation of artwork on the main staircase, the King's Own and other upstairs galleries at the City Museum will be temporarily closed from Tuesday, 5 May to Friday, 8 May.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause. However, visitors are still welcome to explore our shop and enjoy the superb Hidden Hoards exhibition, which will remain open during this period. Admission will be by donation. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to the refreshed gallery soon.

โญ In honour of St George's Day we wanted to show you this lovely Ethiopian image of St George killing the dragon. St Geo...
23/04/2026

โญ In honour of St George's Day we wanted to show you this lovely Ethiopian image of St George killing the dragon. St George is the patron saint of Ethiopia as well as of several other places including England, Portugal and Georgia. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡น ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช

๐Ÿ‘‰ The image is taken from 'The Homilies of St Michael', which is now back on display in the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum following a 2 year project funded by the Museums Association/Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund. During the project the King's Own and Lancaster City Museums worked with Project Officer Eyob Derillo and with the Ethiopian Community in Britain to research, better understand and re-display the objects in the collection connected to the 1868 Abyssinia Expedition.

Address

Market Square
Lancaster
LA11HT

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 4pm
Friday 10:30am - 4pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4pm

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