Our mission
"To interpret and communicate the objects in the Museum’s care in ways which inspire, provide enjoyment and provoke questions from diverse audiences."
Our purpose
- To reconnect the Army with society.
- To link the past with the present.
- To explain the history of the Army so that everyone can see how it has protected society over time.
- To explain what the Army did, why it did it, how it did it, and the impact that it has on Britain, Europe and the world.
- To use objects in its Collection as tools to deliver the ongoing story of the Army and not as an end in themselves.
The NAM has always offered its exhibitions, galleries, and a public events programme to the public free of charge. It communicates the importance of the history and heritage of the British Army through its contribution to the delivery of the National Curriculum and life long learning, to the education and inspiration of servicemen and women, and in explaining to the widest audience the importance of the role the Army plays in the global community. An important aspect of the Museum’s work is to support the remembrance of those who have lived and died in the service of the nation.
Why is the history of the British Army relevant to me today?
The British Army played a decisive role in the creation of the nation state of Great Britain, as we recognise it today. Our army is not called the Royal Army (unlike the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) because, after a historic struggle between Parliament and monarchy, the British Army has always been answerable to Parliament and the British people. If you live in Britain today the actions of the British Army have affected the culture, traditions, government and laws of the society you live in now, and, on a global scale, are continuing to do so today.
Well before the last battle was fought by our Army on British soil, British trade interests developed globally, first in India and the American colonies, and then, after the loss of America, across the rest of the world. Her global interests brought Britain into direct conflict with France, whose ideological revolution and the imperial ambitions of Napoleon threatened the peace and independence of much of Europe. Concerned to maintain a ‘balance of power’ among the nations of Europe so that her trade interests could continue uninterrupted, the British Army was instrumental in overcoming tyranny and establishing peace in the continent.
Later in the nineteenth century British trade interest inched into imperial design. With the Army, British culture, traditions, language and values were exported across the globe, and global influences were brought back to Britain. As the world descended into two catastrophic world wars Britain and many of the countries associated politically, militarily or culturally with her fought for their shared values. Their victory in world war assured the independence of our own and many other nations. Wherever you are from, the actions of the British Army – and the many nations who have fought within it - have helped to shape the world we live in today.
Today, the British Army is operational in over 80 countries across the globe, and its actions continue to impact the world now and into the future.
How the National Army Museum is changing
From 1 April 2006, our galleries will be changing as a new and exciting plan for their development is implemented. All have been renamed, in line with the change in their interpretation. Some galleries will reflect change more immediately than others, and we count upon your understanding during this period.
The Making of Britain, 1066 -1783
From foreign invasion to contests for the crown, civil war, rebellion in the realm and revolution in the Colonies, the Army’s role in creating the nation state of Great Britain, as we recognise it today.
Changing the World, 1784 – 1904
From enterprise to empire, the British Army’s role in the expansion and defence of British trade, political interest, and empire, and its effect on the shape of Britain and the world today.
World Wars, 1905-1945
From across the world, Britain’s civilian armies and their defence of democracy during the First and Second World Wars.
Fighting for Peace, 1946-2006
Britain’s army and the use of arms to enforce peace – from National Service and the handover of empire to Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq.
Your view
The National Army Museum presents historical fact. We know that many different people will interpret the information that we provide, both on our website and in the galleries, in different ways. We recognise that while many people in Britain and beyond will support some of the actions of the British Army in the past, today, and in the future, others will disagree with or condemn these actions. Our concern is to provide the facts that may help our users to form their own opinions, either through a visit to this website or to the Museum itself.
We welcome your views about the British Army. At the end of your visit to our site, please feel free to send your comments to info@national-army-museum.ac.uk. We hope that your visit here has helped us to achieve our purpose.
