• 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Explore

The British landing at Fort Oswego, Lake Ontario, on 6 May 1814

The War of 1812

From 1812 to 1815, Britain was at war with the United States. Militarily, the conflict ended in stalemate, but it had a lasting impact on the communities of North America.

explore this story
The Storming and Capture of the North Fort, Peiho, on 21 August, 1860

Second China War

Between 1856 and 1860, British-Indian forces joined the French in a military expedition against Imperial China. Their victory further opened up China to Western traders and greatly weakened the Qing dynasty's imperial regime.

explore this story
Detail from 'A Grand Review of the Army at Hounslow Heath, 1687'

A Grand Review of the Army at Hounslow Heath, 1687

This detailed drawing by Willem van de Velde the Elder portrays one of the earliest formal musterings of the Army. Here, we take a closer look at this grand spectacle that allowed King James II to flex his political and military muscle.

explore this story
Detail from 'Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782'

Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

This painting by George Carter captures a pivotal moment in the Siege of Gibraltar, a contest for control of this strategic Mediterranean base during the American War of Independence.

explore this story
Detail from 'Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944'

Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944

This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers on campaign in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.

explore this story
Detail from 'The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704'

The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704

This work of art depicts the final stages of the Battle of Blenheim. It was painted by John Wootton around 40 years after the event. Here, we take a closer look to discover more about this key moment in European history.

explore this story
German aerial incendiary bomb, c1917

Bombs over Britain

This aerial bomb's banged-up condition reveals something of the impact it must have made when dropped from a German airship during the First World War. Today, it forms part of an impressive display of weaponry in our Conflict in Europe gallery.

explore this story
Detail from the painting 'Inside Mastiff 33A'

Inside Mastiff 33A (‘Withdrawing, We Don’t Retreat’), February 2010

This painting by Jules George captures the claustrophobic conditions inside a British patrol vehicle during the war in Afghanistan.

explore this story
The bombardment of Copenhagen, September 1807

Copenhagen Expedition

In 1807, the Royal Navy and the Army undertook a joint operation to prevent the powerful Danish fleet from falling into French hands. It ended with the British occupation of Copenhagen and the capture of Danish warships.

explore this story
The Battle of Alexandria, 1801

Egyptian campaign

From 1798 to 1801, an Anglo-Ottoman alliance competed with the French for control of Egypt. Their victory resulted in French troops withdrawing from the region and also helped safeguard Britain's possessions in India.

explore this story
Detail from painting of the Battle of Isandlwana

The Battle of Isandlwana, 22 January 1879

One of our most popular paintings is a depiction of the Battle of Isandlwana by Charles Fripp. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to discover more about this infamous British defeat.

explore this story
Officers and non-commissioned officers of the 2nd Devonshire Regiment, Wuutho, Burma, 1891

Third Burma War

Following a series of fractious disputes, the British invaded Upper Burma in late 1885 and overthrew its king. While the country was quickly annexed to British India, a guerrilla war ensued that rumbled on for the best part of a decade.

explore this story

Join the conversation

"First time @NAM_London today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible..."