Something different every day

RAM Leeds

The Royal Armouries is home to the national collection of arms and armour and has three sites in the UK – Leeds, Fort Nelson (near Portsmouth) and The White Tower at the Tower of London. In Leeds, there are five exciting galleries to explore – War, Tournament, Oriental, Self Defence and Hunting – plus the magnificent Hall of Steel. Check out the weapons and armour of warriors through the ages, from early medieval knights to the modern-day soldier. Discover treasures from around the globe - explore the Ottoman Empire, the Wild West, Europe, Japan and India. Wonder at the fabulous arms and armour of the Japanese shoguns, the royal houses of Europe and the kings of England, including Henry VIII who reigns supreme in the Tournament Gallery. A lively programme of daily events, including live combat demonstrations, handling sessions and dramatic performances make a visit to the Royal Armouries Leeds a fresh experience every time. With exciting displays and hands-on-history, you’ll get closer to the action than ever before. For groups, the Royal Armouries Leeds offers a range of pre-bookable curator talks and tours (small charge applies). To pre-book and reserve your coach parking space call our bookings team on 0113 220 1888. Museum admission is free, though some activities carry a small charge.

Combat Knights

Royal Armouries Museum Armouries Drive Leeds, LS10 1LT

WATERLOO 1815: THE ART OF BATTLE EXHIBITION May 22 - August 23, 2015 Royal Armouries Leeds marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo – one of the most signifi cant battles in European history – with a special exhibition of art and armour. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the epic Waterloo Cartoon by celebrated Victorian artist Daniel Maclise, currently on loan from the Royal Academy of Arts and put on public display for the fi rst time in 40 years. Other works include the magnifi cent Scotland Forever by Lady Elizabeth Butler, currently on loan from Leeds City Art Gallery. These and other stunning works of art will be displayed alongside unique objects, on loan and from the Royal Armouries’ own collections, which together help to unfold the dramatic events of 18 June 1815. Objects displayed within the exhibition include the Duke of Wellington’s fi ve-draw telescope, which he carried during the battle. There is also a poignant reminder of the impact of the battle on individual lives alongside a cuirass, which is a type of breastplate worn as body armour by French cavalry, shot through with a cannon-ball (on loan from the Musée de l’Armée in Paris). WATERLOO 1815: The Art of Battle Exhibition is part of a series of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, including:

• CONSERVATION LIVE Captain Siborne’s detailed model of the battlefi eld in miniature has been conserved and will be
  back on permanent display in June 2015.
• WA TERLOO 1815: THE ART OF BATTLE – STUDY DAY Saturday 13 June 2015, 0930hrs – 1630hrs / £30 To book call: 0113 220 1888
• NAPOLEONIC WAR GAMING WEEKEND Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June 2015 / Free
  For more information visit www.royal armouries.org