London Museums

Apsley House and The Duke of Wellington Collection

Quite simply unique. The Duke's house is the last of the great aristocratic palaces in London to remain intact with its art collection, a large proportion of which belonged to the Spanish Royal Collection and was rescued from the enemy following the Battle of Vitoria in 1813. The memorabilia is superb as are the portatraits and porcelain gifted to the Duke by the monarchs of Europe.

Household Cavalry Museum at Horseguards

The Museum has a fascinating collection that illustrates the history of the Kingdom's most famous cavalry regiments, and is located immediately adjacent to where the Guard at Whitehall is changed virtually every day. There is a particularly special viewing point into the stable where the off duty horses are kept. The Waterloo section is memorable and even contains the skull of Trooper Shaw who was killed in action.

The Guards Museum

Another brilliant collection illustarting the history of the Monarch's Footguards with unique items from the Napoleonic period.. The Guard's chapel is next door and is a living memorial to those who lost their lives therein owing to a rocket strike in World War 2.

The National Army Museum

Devoted to the history of the British Army, the National Army Museum is one of the finest military museums in the country and has an excellent gallery for the Napoleonic period. The collection of paintings too is extraordinary.

The National Maritime Museum

No finer setting for the Napoleonic galleries than the old Naval Hospital at Greenwich. Here you can see Admiral Nelson's bloodstained uniform (although the blood may partly belong to his secretary who was decapitated in the battle) that he wore at the Battle of Trafalgar where he was killed. The bullet that did the damage is on view at Windsor Castle.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea

Designed by Christopher Wren in the 17thC, the Hospital remains the home of the Chelsea Pensioners.The Chapel and Great Hall are beautiful as are the grounds, and the museum is full of interest. The Hospital is adjacent to the National Army Museum.

RAF Uxbridge, Uxbridge

This comprises the command and control centre of Air Vice Marshal Keith Park whose forces were at the forefront of the fighting during The Battle of Britain and The London Blitz. Without control centres such as these which could capitaise on the use of radar, the outcome of these two battles may have been very different.


The Royal Fusiliers Museum, Tower of London

A great regimental museum for a great regiment that has been hefted to London since its formation in the 17thC.