The Warwickshire Yeomanry
Regimental Museum:
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Originally, the Museum was housed at the Regiment’s Headquarters in Warwick until 1967, when it was relocated to the Drill Hall at Stratford upon Avon. However, it soon
became apparent that alternative premises would be necessary to accommodate the full breadth of the collection. Despite earnest
efforts to secure a suitable venue, these
attempts were unsuccessful for some time.
Early Locations and Challenges
A New Home in Warwick
In 1976, the Mayor of Warwick extended an offer of the Basement of the Court House as a new location for the Museum. A public appeal was launched in 1979 to support the move, and on 25 April 1981, the Museum was officially opened by the Mayor of Warwick, marking a significant milestone in the Museum’s history.
Refurbishment and Renewal
The Court House, including the Basement occupied by the Museum, underwent a major
refurbishment programme,
necessitating extensive structural repairs. This was made possible by a successful Heritage Lottery Bid, and building works commenced in June 2012. During this period, the Museum’s contents were packed and stored securely by a team of
volunteers within an impressive 18 days, completed by 15 June 2012. The structural alterations to the Court House, including the
installation of a lift and expanded storage space within the Museum, were finished by 23 March 2014.
Reopening and Continued Improvement
Following the completion of the building works, volunteers
embarked on the task of
constructing much improved
exhibits, following an agreed plan which required four months to
accomplish. The newly refurbished Museum re-opened on 9 August 2014, coinciding with the centenary of the commencement of the Great War.
Since 2014, ongoing enhancements have been made annually to the Museum’s
displays, furthering its mission to preserve and present the history of the Warwickshire Yeomanry for generations to come.
