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The Victorians

When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 Britain was the wealthiest country in the world with a growing Empire and leading the way in the Industrial Revolution.  Although with the defeat of Napoleon Europe was enjoying relative peace, the British Army saw almost continuous action throughout Victoria's reign.  The Victorian soldier could have seen action in many battles and wars around the world including The Indian Mutiny, Crimea and Boer War. 

For Victoria's reign Hands on History has a collection of the uniforms, weapons and equipment of both officers and men from the time of The Redcoat and The Brown Bess musket to the khaki-clad, modern, professional soldier of the Boer war.  Our demonstrations, using volunteers from our audience as models, will show how the Industrial Revolution radically changed not only civilian life, but how soldiers fought.  From fighting in line with weapons that had to be individually handmade to the introduction of the mass-produced machine gun and bolt action rifle.

At all other times our weapons, uniforms and equipment are available for everyone to handle or try on.  Our trained staff are available to answer questions and help everyone with this activity in a safe and controlled manner.  Our deactivated guns are available for all ages to handle.

At our two camps Hands on History will have displays of the military equipment used for communications over distances.  The changes bought about by The Industrial Revolution meant that soldiers sending messages by semaphore with flags gave way to heliographs, sending messages by reflected sunlight, to the invention of the telegraph and Morse code and finally the development of the telephone. Everybody can have a go at ‘getting his or her message across'.