Royal Marines Museum

The Museum is in what was one of the most stately Officers' Messes in England, built in the 1860s with beautiful ceilings, huge paintings and a grand staircase. The story of the Royal Marines begins in 1664 when a Marine Regiment was first formed. At the Museum you can discover the exciting story of the Royal Marines brought to life with dramatic and interactive displays. Visitors can discover how Hannah Snell posed as a man and served as a Marine in India; how the elite troops of the Royal Marines were closely involved in the Battle of Trafalgar; the heroism of Marines during both World Wars and more recently in the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Museum houses one of the most comprehensive medal collections in the world. It consists of over 7,000 medals awarded to Royal Marines. This extensive collection of medals represents the service and sacrifice of some of the large numbers of Royal Marines who fought in the great naval and military battles that are part of the Nation's history. The highlight of the Medal Room is the complete collection of ten Victoria Crosses awarded to the Corps. Of the five awarded to the Royal Marines during 1914-18 War, two were issued by election of the survivors.

Visitors can listen and watch a beat retreat in the Band Room. The Band Room is dedicated to the colour, sound and spectacle of the Royal Marines Band Service. Its displays include instruments, uniforms and mementos. One of the largest objects is the Steinway piano from the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert. The Band Memorial Room displays the drums and trumpets that were purchased as a memorial to the members of the Band Service who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

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