Our Collection: The Lion Armour

This entry details the King's Champion Armour, last worn at the coronation of George IV in 1821. The armour, a full ceremonial plate suit made of steel, was worn by Henry Dymoke. It is a significant acquisition by the Royal Armouries due to its unique provenance and direct link to a specific royal event and individual, highlighting the historical rarity of such items.

This video delves into the British adoption and use of the AR-15 platform, tracing its history from early interest in the 1960s through its deployment in conflicts like Borneo and the Falklands. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details specific British procurements, model variants like the Colt Model O2 and 604, and unique field modifications, highlighting the AR-15's evolution and enduring legacy in British service.

This video features Assistant Curator Eleanor Wilkinson-Keys from the Royal Armouries discussing a highly decorated 16th-century Italian Shaffron, a type of horse armor. The episode is the first in a new series highlighting favorite objects from their collection. While the focus is on historical armor, the Royal Armouries' mission is to explore arms and armor, including historical combat and demonstrations. They encourage audience engagement through comments and offer ways to support the museum.

This entry details a 15th-century Swiss Baselard discovered in the River Thames, as presented by Scott, Assistant Curator at the Royal Armouries. The sword, also known as a Schweizerdegen, was identified as Swiss through its hilt construction and confirmed by X-ray analysis revealing a Zurich maker's mark. Its blade features a unique inscribed copper alloy panel, the meaning of which remains a subject of study.

This video features Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries, demonstrating firing at Bisley ranges, in collaboration with FN UK. The Royal Armouries, the UK's national collection of arms and armour, showcases behind-the-scenes content, combat demonstrations, and expert insights. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe for more arms and armour content and support the museum through donations or membership.

This YouTube video offers a detailed look at a highly ornate 'Snails & Dragonflies' breastplate from the Royal Armouries collection. Assistant Curator Keith Dowen guides viewers through the intricate details of this historical piece, highlighting the various humans, animals, and fantastical creatures depicted in its decoration. The video aims to showcase unique historical artifacts and encourage engagement with the Royal Armouries through subscriptions and support.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.