About the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, situated in Gloucester’s Historic Docks, commemorates over 300 years of local military history.
The museum was established in 1990 to preserve the rich military heritage of Gloucestershire and the regiments associated with the county.
In April 2014, we reopened following a major Heritage Lottery-funded redevelopment, transforming the museum into a modern, interactive visitor attraction while continuing to care for our nationally significant collections.
Today, we welcome thousands of visitors each year to explore the stories, objects and achievements of Gloucestershire's soldiers.
Our History
Preserving Gloucestershire's Military Heritage
Located in the heart of Gloucester's Historic Docks, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum preserves and shares the stories of the county's soldiers through more than 300 years of military history.
From 1694 to the present day, our collections tell the story of twelve generations of Gloucestershire soldiers who served across the world. Through personal accounts, historic artefacts and interactive exhibitions, we honour their courage, sacrifice and service while helping visitors understand the people behind the uniforms of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.
Whether you're interested in military history, researching your family history, or looking to learn more about Gloucestershire's past, our museum offers an engaging and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Bringing History to Life
Our galleries take visitors on a journey through more than three centuries of military history, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Age of Empire, the First and Second World Wars, Korea and modern-day conflicts.
Along the way, you can:
Step inside a recreated First World War trench.
Discover the story behind the Gloucestershire Regiment's famous Back Badge.
Learn how the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars fought and survived in the deserts of North Africa.
Explore medals, uniforms, weapons and personal objects from across the centuries.
Experience the weight of a Rifleman's rucksack and try on Army uniforms.
Enjoy interactive displays, family activities and free children's quizzes.
With regularly changing exhibitions, there's always something new to discover.
Our collection contains thousands of objects, photographs, medals, uniforms, archives and personal memorabilia that tell the stories of Gloucestershire's soldiers. Every item helps preserve the experiences of those who served, ensuring future generations can continue to learn from their lives and achievements.
The museum also supports research into military and family history, helping visitors connect with Gloucestershire's rich military past.
Our Collection
Our Mission
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum exists to preserve, protect and share the military heritage of Gloucestershire.
By telling the stories of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary events, we aim to educate, inspire and remember those who served. Through our collections, exhibitions, events and educational programmes, we ensure that over 300 years of Gloucestershire's military history continues to be accessible to everyone.
Whether you're visiting from Gloucester, elsewhere in the UK or overseas, we invite you to discover the stories that have shaped our county's proud military heritage.
Support The Soldiers of Gloucestershire
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is an independent museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the military history of Gloucestershire.
Our collections span more than 300 years, bringing to life the experiences of the soldiers who served with Gloucestershire's regiments.
Donations help us care for these collections, maintain and improve the museum, develop exhibitions and educational resources, and continue sharing these stories with our visitors, schools and wider community.
Make your donation go further with Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation to the museum by 25% at no extra cost to you through Gift Aid.
For every £1 you donate, the museum can claim an additional 25p from HMRC, provided you are eligible and complete a Gift Aid declaration.