The Museum’s archive of documents is one of the finest in the collection of Britain’s regimental museums. Due to The Royal Welsh being comprised of antecedent units, our collection possesses material dating to the 1700s. Additionally, the collection holds documents relating to many of the major conflicts which Britain was involved during the 19th century.
The archive contains a considerable number of documents relating to the Anglo-Sikh Wars of the 1840s, the Crimean War and the Boer War. Additionally, both The Great War and World War Two are very well represented. This is due to The South Wales Borderers, The Welch Regiment and The Monmouthshire Regiment having made significant contributions to the Allied armies in these conflicts.
Anglo-Zulu War Collection
The material generated by the Anglo-Zulu War is of international significance. The events of 1879 drew the interest of Queen Victoria and the public, and viewed as the epitome of Victoria’s “colonial wars.” Its place in the public consciousness was cemented by Stanley Baker’s 1964 film “Zulu.” This fictional representation continues to generate considerable global interest. With the help of our archive, the Museum tells the factual story.
Our archive provides background to the events of Rork’s Drift and iSandlwana. Comprised of contemporary manuscript material written by those who were there, this content is replicated nowhere else. For example, our collection contains letters written by the commander of the British forces, Lord Chelmsford, to his subordinates prior to the campaign, and documents and statements prepared by the participants following its major events in response to contemporary interest. Anyone seeking a thorough understanding of any part of the war must consult this collection as these unique documents are comprehensive and illuminating.
Please note our archive is only available via an appointment made in advance. There are a number of reasons for this.
- The Museum has limited space devoted to researchers, so we can only accommodate those who book in advance.
- It saves both the time of the researchers and the Museum’s small complement of staff if we know in advance what documents you would like to see.
If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us.