War Gallery: British Cavalry Sword

This video from the Royal Armouries features Henry Yallop, Keeper of Edged Weapons & Armour, examining a sword potentially used by Oliver Cromwell during the 1649 Siege of Drogheda. The content delves into the historical context of the siege and the sword's features, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at historical arms and armour.

This video features Iason Tzouriadis, Curator of European Edged Weapons, and Matt Easton from Schola Gladiatoria as they examine and discuss the process of replicating a late 14th-century Alexandrian sword with Windlass Steelcrafts. The video highlights the historical accuracy and craftsmanship involved in recreating the artifact, providing links to the original object in the Royal Armouries collection and the Windlass replica for purchase. It aims to educate viewers about arms and armour, with a call to action for channel subscriptions and museum support.

This video offers a glimpse into a live medieval jousting event at The Royal Armouries in Leeds. It highlights the theatrical proclamation by a knight, the immersive atmosphere created by period-accurate attire, and the impressive display of horsemanship and armor during the jousting parade. The event showcases authentic historical reproduction armor and professional horsemanship, curated by a museum.

This video from the Royal Armouries highlights a significant new acquisition: the armor worn by the last King's Champion at a British coronation. The armor, used during George IV's coronation in 1821 by Henry Dymoke, is unique due to its specific provenance and ceremonial role. Its acquisition by the Royal Armouries marks a rare addition to their collection.

This entry details Winston Churchill's personal Patchett Machine Carbine, an early iteration of the Sterling submachine gun. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides insights into its design, historical provenance, and technical distinctions from later Sterling models. The entry also touches upon Churchill's broader influence on post-war British small arms policy and his cultivated public image.

This Royal Armouries lecture delves into the lives of British military families during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). Utilizing officer correspondence, Séverine Angers, a PhD student from the University of York, explores the personal challenges and wartime relationships faced by soldiers, focusing on their roles as sons and brothers behind the uniform. The lecture aims to provide a nuanced look at the human element of military service during this significant historical period. The video also promotes the Royal Armouries' channel and support initiatives.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.