The Royal Armouries - Is It Any Good?

On arrival at the Armouries we were presented with a brochure, and a list of the events which were due to take place. Unfortunately the British weather was at is usual best and the outside events had to be cancelled. There is a daily schedule provided on entry, which details the events that will take place on the day of your visit weather permitting.

The building itself is quite a daunting site, a huge grey building with an enormous glass staircase on the side (The Hall Of Steel). This houses a spectacular display of armour, mainly consisting of 17^th century armour and 19^th century military equipment. There are 3,000 items and is magnificent site.

Access to the upper floors is easy to locate as the lifts, and staircases, are well sign posted and has good access for wheelchair users & disabled visitors.

I recommend that anyone visiting the Armouries take’s advantage of using the brochure, as this has layouts of all the floors, and lists where the different displays are located. These range from not just British arms and armour but armour from China and Japan, Asia and the Orient. My favourite must be the Oriental display, which is located on the fifth floor, where you will find the magnificent Mughal Indian Elephant armour which is dated back to 1600. The Chinese armour is elaborate and ornate, the beautifully designed armour and weapons are quite magnificent and it is hard to believe that they were used in armed combat. Also situated on this floor is a crossbow shooting range and a police shooting range, Sam tried the cross bow range, he had a little bit of trouble loading the bow, but no trouble shooting it.

In the afternoon we watched a demonstration of sword fighting by, Jonathan Browne and Keith Ducklin. They were dressed in full plate armour and described step by step the moves they were making and how best to defeat an opponent, this provided great entertainment for the crowd especially the children. After the display Jonathan and Keith chatted to the crowd, and answered questions on the weapons they were using and the armour they were wearing. The demonstration was staged on the second floor in the tournament gallery.

For anyone visiting the Armouries I would suggest that they set aside a whole day, as there is so much to see and do. Theatres and cinemas are situated around the Armouries, and on the first floor there is an Education Centre & Library. Located on the outside of the building is the Tiltyard and Menagerie Court were weather permitting displays of Falconry and Hunting skills take place. In the Craft Court you will be able to see craftspeople working at their trades. The resident gunmakers can be seen repair and restoring modern & antique weapons. The leather worker makes footwear and repairs, soldier’s accessories.

To Sum up our visit to the Armouries, I would have to say that if you live in Leeds or just visiting a trip to the Armouries is a must. Not only do they provide an excellent and vast display of arms and armoury from all ages and civilisations they provide an entertaining and educational journey for adults and children. The countless displays of guns, swords and weapons are quite amazing. Though the Armouries provides for all ages, male and female I think this is a haven for boys. Stephen & Sam were in their element, and I found it hard to prise them away for some of the displays, especially the guns. The facilities at the Armouries are excellent as toilets are situated on nearly every floor. There are several cafes and a bistro, the service was good, and not expensive unlike some other places we have visited. The staff were all very polite and helpful and made the visit a pleasure.

In my opinion the Armouries is not just a museum of armour, it’s adorned with beautiful artwork of years gone by, it’s a place we should treasure for the treasurers inside are ours to share.

Thank you to the Royal Armouries" - Amanda Remmer.