The Museum of the County Regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - Serving the Crown for nearly 300 years. Entrance to the Museum is FREE. All donations are gratefully received as we no longer receive any funding from the Ministry of Defence. The Memorial Garden was dedicated by the Bishop of Winchester in 1952 as part of a large ceremony to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Regiment.

We are situated on the ground floor of Serle's House (a lovely Georgian Building set back behind an ornate rose garden), on Southgate Street next to the Hotel du Vin, about 150 metres from the High Street in Winchester.

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Donations Report

We are a registered charity (No 272965) and rely heavily on the generosity our visitors to help maintain and improve what is part of the history of the County of Hampshire. The museum has a strict collections policy in order to ensure we have items in our store rooms that are both relevant to the regiment's history, and that we can care for in the correct manner.

If necessary, emails can also be sent to the following address, but please use the contact form in the first instance. The Curator (Colin Bulleid) for all Regimental and Comrades matters, Welfare and finance enquiries, and talks and tours. Deputy Curator (Susannah Jarvis) for all collections management queries - donations, disposals, conservation and loans.

About the museum Report

The Museum of the County Regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - Serving the Crown for nearly 300 years. The Museum of the Royal Hampshire Regiment tells the story of the county infantry regiment for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It traces its history back to 1702 when it was formed as Meredith's Own, until its amalgamation with the Queen's Regiment in 1992 to form the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queens and Royal Hampshires).

What is at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum Report

As you enter the museum you are greeted by an impressive display of Regimental drums stacked as though for a Drum-Head Service, in front of the Colours of the 4/5th Battalion, which in turn are guarded by a drummer. In the main room we trace our history through the famous battle of Minden in 1759 and some of the many 'small wars' (eg Burma and South Africa) which dominated the 19th century.

Weapons Report

The museum shows how the musket has evolved into the present day SA80, carried by the Poor Bloody Infantry (PBI) in every campaign the Regiment has served. From accuracy of just a few yards to rifles capable of hitting targets up to 1000 yards away soldiers learned to aim, fire and strike the enemy.

Reviews (9)

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Orchidlilly

Dec 14, 2021

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Amaxing Museum really in formative..even found our family surnames in the museum...more to add to our ancestry tree...

Nick Davis

Jun 30, 2021

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I was waiting for new tyres on my car and saw nearly next door was Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum. I popped in. Only small but really interesting, I could spend the best part of a day in there I think. I'll be back again to continue.
My rear tyres need changing soon! 😁

Eric Hounslow

Jun 23, 2021

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Came upon this when scattering the ashes of a former member of the regiment in the immaculate garden. Will be back to give the longer visit it deserves.

Susan Swabey

Jan 22, 2021

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If you are thinking of visiting I would phone first. The website (updated on 10th September 2020) states the museum will be open Saturday 12th September 2020 from 11am till 3pm. We have driven 2 hours to get here to find it shut. Disappointed is an understatement!!

Roy Sherwin

Sep 06, 2020

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I had a relative who had served with Isle of Wight Rifles. I knew there was a connection to the Hampshires, but not the details. A gentleman by the name of Colin was very helpful. I came away with a limited amount of info, but it still added to my knowledge. This can now be included into the family history. I used the word limited as 80% of Regimental service records were destroyed by air raids during WW2. So thank you Colin. Due my very tight timetable, I was unable to spend time exploring the museum exhibits. But I will return. If military history is your intrest then this museum is clearly worth

Ladela

Jul 02, 2019

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A very small museum telling and showing the history of the Royal Hampshire Regiment from its time as the Hampshire Militia, through the two World Wars up to amalgamation with the Queen's Regiment to become the PWRR.
Very informative, and it's also free entry.

Joy Doak

Jun 11, 2019

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Very moving shows 1st world
war. 2nd world war. Brought
tears to my eyes. The amount
of young men killed was awe full. Most very young teenagers. It also showed the Royal Hampshire Regament.
lots of artifacts on view. Will visit again.

Martin Whittingham

Jun 04, 2019

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This museum shows the cost of war. Included is a letter sent from a soldier after he had died where he told his girlfriend that he had wanted to propose to her when he was last on leave but had been too scared. Extremely thought provoking.

Gordon Knowles

Dec 18, 2018

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I decided to make a trip to Winchester on the 4th September 2018. Winchester is a city and the county town of Hampshire, England. It is situated about 61 miles south west of London and around 13 from Southampton which is its closest city. Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum. The city is, home to the University of Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in the United Kingdom still using its original buildings. There is so much to see here in this fine city and spending a day here you would find it difficult to cover all the famous sites. I then walked up