HRH Princess Alexandra officially opened the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum on Sunday (6 September 2015).
To celebrate the opening, visitors to the Castle were treated to a military parade, including the regimental band, serving soldiers and old comrades. Families also enjoyed watching demonstrations by World War I re-enactors and hearing Professor Sir Hew Strachan’s talk about Yeomanry in World War I.
The new museum replaces the old museum in the castle keep. It tells the story of one of Kent and London’s proudest regiments and is housed in custom-built premises inside the castle grounds. For authenticity, it has been designed to resemble a military operations tent and has a Saladin armoured car and a 25lb field gun on site. The Kent and Sharpshooters (County of London) Yeomanry currently has serving squadrons as part of the Reserve Army in Croydon and Bexleyheath.
Attractions in the museum include reconstructions of a World War I trench, with sound effects, and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. Four touchscreens tell fascinating life stories of people who served in the regiment through the ages, with video clips and quizzes. Exhibits include original artefacts such as photographs, diaries, uniforms and equipment dating back to 1797, as well as guidons (flags), and medals. Visitors can also research ancestors who may have served in the regiments.
Entry to the new Military Museum is included with the normal admission price to Hever Castle & Gardens. Learn more about the museum here or for more information about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry please visit www.ksymuseum.org.uk/.
Armed Forces discounts are available at certain times of the year. More information can be found here.
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Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
