I took a day out lat last year and visited the Royal Green Jacket Museum in Winchester. The Museum is situated in the old depot for the Regiment along with 4 other regimental museums and makes an excellent day (or two days) out.
Unfortunately for me significant elements of the museum were closed last the time as it is being refurbished for the Waterloo anniversary, but the ticket does give you free visits back within a year, so I’ll be heading back after the 25th March when the refurbished parts re-open.
Of particular note for the Napoleonic buffs (and those who just like lots of toy soldiers) they have a fabulous Waterloo diorama which is part of the refurbishment program. Here’s a sneak little picture to whet your appetite, but please appreciate that this is fairly poor picture and doesn’t do it any justice. Diorama is 24.5 square metres in size and isn’t all captured in this photo. Visit their site to find out more about the restoration of this large diorama.
I recommend visiting the museum as it includes the history of the three main regiments which went onto form the Green Jackets, from their formations, through to the various campaigns which they were involved in. So if you are interested in the
- The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
- The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
- The Rifle Brigade
this is a great place to start. If you are looking to do research on these regiments then you should approach the Museum for help. Taken from their website . . “The Museum also has a substantial collection of archival material – letters, diaries, maps, documents and photographs – which may be viewed by appointment. Museum personnel are sometimes able to undertake research on behalf of those unable to visit.”
If you’d like to find out more or even visit then check out their website for more information. The staff their are very friendly,and some are incredibly knowledgeable about their regimental history. There is also a shop where you can stock up on books and memorabilia.
http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/home.asp