The Keep, Bodmin, PL31 1EG
Tel: (01208) 72810
Email: info@bodminkeep.org
Web: www.bodminkeep.org
Attention!
The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum is situated in "The Keep" - a fine Militia barracks built during the French Invasion threat of 1859. The various galleries illustrate the history of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry from its conception in 1702, its formation in 1881, until its amalgamation with the Somerset Light Infantry in 1959.
The story is vividly told by means of pictures, uniforms, weapons and artefacts. One gallery is given over to a wonderful display of both edged weapons and firearms which is probably the best of its kind outside the National collections.
Almost 300 years of DCLI's history is displayed with short but informative explanations of past campaigns.
No fewer than four Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Regiment for their gallantry of Lucknow. Such heroic defence of a city for so long by a single battalion against such overwhelming odds is probably un-precedented in the history of the British Army.
The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum is situated on the first floor of The Keep. Started in 1925, the museum has grown considerably and now includes the old Quarter Masters stores. It is split into two main parts, the Armoury and the Main Gallery.
The Armoury contains one of the finest collections of small arms and machine guns in the country Also displayed are many original pre 1914 uniforms and a myriad of medals.
The bulk of the display is devoted to the Main Gallery which contains relics from the past campaigns from the regiments formation in 1702 as Fox's Marines until 1959 when the Regiment was amalgamated with the Somerset Light Infantry. However, this was amalgamated with the Durham Light Infantry, the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry to form The Light Infantry in 1968 which was also merged, in 2007, with the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and the Royal Green Jackets to form The Rifles, which continues the lineage of the DCLI.
Only 0.5 mile south of Bodmin on the B3268 adjacent to Bodmin & Wenford Railway station.
Opening TimesMonday - Friday 10.30am - 5.00pm Admission Charged |
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