Empire

The last British troops to leave India, 1948

Independence and Partition, 1947

The birth of India and Pakistan as independent states in 1947 was a key moment in the history of Britain’s empire and its army. But the process of partition was attended by mass migration and ethnic violence that has left a bitter legacy to this day.

A bomb disposal officer and infantry officer patrol West Belfast, 1992

The Troubles

Troops were sent to Northern Ireland in 1969. They ended up staying there for nearly 40 years in what became the British Army's longest ever deployment.

Lieutenants Melville and Coghill saving the Colours at Isandlwana, 1879

Zulu War

In 1879, the British fought a war against the Zulu Kingdom. The Zulus resisted bravely and were only defeated after a series of particularly bloody battles that have gone down in the annals of colonial warfare.

Malayan Emergency

The Malayan Emergency (1948-60) was one of the few successful counter-insurgency operations undertaken by the Western powers during the Cold War.

The Gurkhas

Nepalese troops known as Gurkhas have fought for Britain since 1815. Here, we explore their history and find out why they have long been regarded as some of the finest and fiercest soldiers.

A trophy worth losing your head for?

In the 19th century, it was customary for soldiers to claim war trophies as a token of victory after defeating their enemies in battle. This Ashanti war trumpet is unusual in that it serves as a token of defeat.

Explore Empire events

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 FREE

The Indian ‘Mutiny’?

Analyse evidence from sources and artefacts to make a case for how the 1857 uprising in India should be interpreted.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 FREE

World at War: Soldiers of Empire

Discover more about the contributions of soldiers from the British Empire in the First and Second World Wars.

A British medical orderly treats a wounded German soldier, c1916

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment (virtual)

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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.

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

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

Exhibition

16 Sep 2025 - 13 Apr 2026 FREE

Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies

Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, this exhibition shines a light on the remarkable multinational army that fought in some of the toughest conditions of the Second World War.

Talk

20 Sep 2025 FREE

Indian Army Experiences of the Burma Campaign

Join historian David Omissi as he highlights the crucial role of the Indian Army in the Allied reoccupation of Burma in 1945 and the ultimate defeat of Imperial Japan. Part of our Burma Day.

A British Commando officer confers with Burmese soldiers, Arakan, Burma, 1944

Talk

20 Sep 2025 £10.00

Jungle Commandos: The Battle for Arakan, 1945

Join historian, author and broadcaster Lucy Betteridge-Dyson as she explores the actions and experiences of 3 Commando Brigade in the jungles of Burma in 1945. Part of our Burma Day.