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

1800s

Explore 1800s stories

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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British troops in the Transvaal, 1881

Transvaal War

In 1880-81, the British fought a brief war against the Transvaal Boers in South Africa. The Boers had rebelled against British control and went on to inflict several stinging defeats during their successful fight for independence.

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Hospital Sergeant Frederick Newman, 1850

Hospital Sergeant Frederick Newman

Frederick Newman served with the 97th (The Earl of Ulster’s) Regiment of Foot in the 1840s and '50s. Like many Victorian soldiers, he spent most of his military career abroad, enduring various hardships. He met his fate during the first cruel winter of the Crimean War.

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Soldiers of The 3rd (East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) defending the Colours at Albuera, 1811

Save the Colours!

Colours have been the focus of some of the most bitter fighting and magnificent acts of heroism in British Army history. Soldiers often fought to the last to preserve them in battle, and they continue to hold totemic significance for regiments today.

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Royal Army Temperance Association medal for 20 years' abstinence awarded to Private J H Smith, The Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1915 

‘Watch and Be Sober’: The story of Army temperance

This collection of Army temperance medals demonstrates the efforts made by officers and soldiers in the 19th and early 20th centuries to resist the temptation, and avoid the perils, of the demon drink.

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The 3rd Light Dragoons at Ferozeshah, 21 December 1845

First Sikh War

In 1845-46, the British fought a war against the Sikh Empire in the Punjab. After several bitterly fought battles, the conflict ended with the British taking partial control of the Sikh territories.

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The Battle of Chillianwala, 13 January 1849

Second Sikh War

In 1848-49, British-Indian forces were once again at war with the Sikh Empire. The campaign that raged across the Punjab eventually led to the region's full annexation by the British and the removal of one of the last Indian powers able to challenge British control of the subcontinent.

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Glengarry badge, 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot, c1874

30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot

Raised in 1689, this infantry regiment served in many campaigns until the 1881 Army reforms, when it was merged into The East Lancashire Regiment.

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Glengarry badge, other ranks, 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment of Foot, c1874

59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry unit was raised in 1755. It continued in British Army service until the 1881 reforms, when it was amalgamated with the 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot to form The East Lancashire Regiment.

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Explore 1800s events

The Indian 'Mutiny'?
Secondary workshop

8 January - 19 July 2024

FREE

The Indian ‘Mutiny’?

Analyse evidence from documents and artefacts, then curate an exhibition to make a case for whether the conflict was a mutiny or war of independence.

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Florence Nightingale tending to wounded soldiers at Scutari Hospital
Primary (virtual)

8 January - 19 July 2024

FREE

Florence and Mary (virtual)

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

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School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
SEND workshop

8 January - 19 July 2024

FREE

Florence and Mary (SEND)

Find out about the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and how they helped the soldiers in the Crimea.

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School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
Primary workshop

8 January - 19 July 2024

FREE

Florence and Mary

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

find out more
’Mutinous Sepoys’, c1857
Secondary (virtual)

8 January - 19 July 2024

FREE

The Indian ‘Mutiny’? (virtual)

Analyse evidence from documents and artefacts, then curate an exhibition to make a case for whether the conflict was a mutiny or war of independence.

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Explore 1800s learning resources

Florence Nightingale in the Military Hospital at Scutari, 1855
Quiz

KS1 (Ages 5 to 7)

Florence and Mary in the Crimean War: Quiz

Put your knowledge of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole to the test in this interactive quiz.

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Florence and Mary: Gallery Trail
Trail

KS1-KS2 (Ages 5 to 11)

Florence and Mary: Gallery Trail

Follow this gallery trail and learn more about how to care for sick and injured soldiers.

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Operation Science: Signals
Video

KS2-KS3 (Ages 7 to 14)

Operation Science: Signals

Step into the world of Army signalling in the latest instalment of Operation Science.

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Marvellous Mary Seacole
Home Activity

KS1-KS2 (Ages 5 to 11)

Marvellous Mary Seacole

Discover more about Mary Seacole and her work at the British Hotel during the Crimean War.

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Florence and Mary: Scavenger hunt
Home Activity

KS1-KS2 (Ages 5 to 11)

Florence and Mary: Scavenger hunt

Try our at-home scavenger hunt to help Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole on their journey to the Crimea.

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How to Draw: Victorian edition
Home Activity

KS1-KS2 (Ages 5 to 11)

How to Draw: Victorian edition

Use our simple step-by step instructions to have a go at drawing Florence Nightingale, her pet owl and the ship she took to the Crimea.

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