Military Heritage Trail launches in Warwick
A new heritage trail guiding visitors on an exciting tour of Warwick’s military museums has just launched.
The ‘Warwick Military Heritage Trail’ provides both visitors and residents with eight exciting and educating locations to visit, charting the history of the Regiments that made their home there, and honouring the men and women that gave their all for their country – giving visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of those who came before.
Venues include:
- The Fusilier Museum Warwick
- The Lord Leycester
- The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars
- St. Mary’s Church
- Warwickshire County Record Office
- The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum
- Warwick War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves (Warwick Cemetery)
The free leaflet is available from the Visitor Information Centre on Jury Street, Warwick, as well as from all the museums and venues listed on the trail.
The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum and The Museum of The Queen’s Royal Hussars both reopen on Friday 29 March.
Councillor Sidney Syson, Chairman of Warwick District Council, said: “Warwick is uniquely placed for having such a concentration of fascinating museums, buildings and places that celebrate its military history just a short walk from each other.
“It’s exciting to see the launch of this trail to raise awareness and connect these venues together on an educating journey through the town’s history.”
Councillor Oliver Jacques, Mayor of Warwick, added: “Warwick has a rich military history so it’s fantastic to bring all of this together in one place so visitors and townspeople alike can find out more about our town, its history and the important work of our museums in preserving it.”
The launch of the trail coincides with the formation of the Warwick Military Heritage Network, comprising all the venues in the town presenting a military offer. The network’s mission statement is “to publicise and promote Warwick’s military heritage, to enhance the town’s tourist offer and to encourage learning and education on this part of our County’s history”.
Retired Lt. Col. John Rice, Chair of Trustees at the Fusilier Museum Warwick, said: “This new heritage trail map for Warwick reflects the remarkable range of military heritage contained within the county town. With one of the strongest cultural offers of its kind outside London, the trail marks a new chapter of collaboration between local military heritage organisations to support Warwick's tourism offer and increase the numbers of visitors to the town.”
Councillor Pam Redford, Warwick District Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “The launch of this trail is just the beginning of a year of wonderful events and celebrations in Warwick District, that will bring communities together to give thanks and pay tribute to our Armed Forces community.
“We’re excited to be taking part in the D-Day 80th anniversary celebrations on Thursday 6 June with a beacon lighting at Newbold Comyn, and we’ll be bringing our much-loved family friendly Armed Forces Day event to St Nicholas Park on Saturday 29 June, so get the dates in your diary and join us as we support our Armed Forces.”
Further information about the D-Day 80th anniversary beacon lighting and the Armed Forces Day event will be made available shortly.