THE ROYAL MARINES MUSEUM.
The Royal Marines Museum, at Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, is housed in a grand building built during the 1860's, with beautiful high decorated ceilings, an imposing dining room and grand staircase.
This building was originally the Officers Mess of the Royal Marine Artillery up until 1923, hence its grandeur. It is rumoured that an accounting error led to an extra zero being added to the building budget
allowing for a much grander building than originally intended.
In 1973 it became the Royal Marine Museum. In the area surrounding the museum can be seen the rest of the Royal Marines barracks, Eastney which have since been redeveloped for private housing.
The Royal Marines were founded in 1664 and the museum depicts the story from then up to the present day, showing how troops of the Royal Marines were involved in the Battle of Trafalgar,
in both of the World Wars and more recently in the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan and Iraq.
One of the most comprehensive medal collections in the world, is housed in the museum and can be viewed in the Medal Room. The collection includes medals awarded to Marines
in some of the greatest naval and military battles and includes ten Victoria Crosses, the highest honour that can be awarded in the UK.
Visitors can get involved in many interactive displays throughout the museum, which bring to life aspects of Royal Marine activities and training.
Don't miss this museum.
Address: Royal Marines Museum, Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Hampshire, PO4 9PX
Tel: 02392 819385
Royal Marines Museum map.
