About Royal Engineers Museum
Not to be confused with REME, The Royal Engineers Museum is a museum in Gillingham, Kent, England, dedicated to the history of the Corps of Royal Engineers, the United Kingdom’s corps of military engineers. The museum is housed in the former Royal School of Military Engineering, which was built in the 19th century. It tells the story of the Corps from its formation in 1716 to the present day, through a series of exhibits and displays that feature military engineering equipment, uniforms, weapons, and other artefacts. The museum also has a library and archive that contains a wealth of historical documents and photographs related to the Corps. The museum is open to the public and is a popular attraction for military history enthusiasts and families.
Notable exhibits
The Royal Engineers Museum has a wide range of exhibits that highlight the history and work of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Some notable exhibits at the museum include:
- A collection of military engineering equipment, including bridging equipment, explosives, and mine detection and clearing equipment.
- A display of uniforms and equipment used by the Corps throughout its history, including items from the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II.
- A section on the role of the Corps in modern conflict, including displays on peacekeeping operations and disaster relief efforts.
- A display on the history of military ballooning, which was pioneered by the Royal Engineers in the 19th century.
- A section on the role of the Corps in the construction of military infrastructure, including fortifications, barracks, and other buildings.
- An exhibit on the history of military communications, including telegraphy and radio.
Overall, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits and displays that provide an in-depth look at the history and work of the Corps of Royal Engineers.
Length of visit
The length of a visit to the Royal Engineers Museum can vary depending on the interests and schedule of the visitor. Some people may prefer to spend a longer amount of time at the museum, taking their time to explore the exhibits and displays in detail, while others may prefer to spend a shorter amount of time at the museum, focusing on specific areas of interest.
There is no set amount of time that is required to fully experience the museum, and visitors are free to spend as much or as little time at the museum as they wish. It is recommended to allow at least two hours for a visit to the museum, to allow for a leisurely exploration of the exhibits and displays. However, the exact length of a visit will depend on the individual preferences of the visitor.
