The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum Launches Hall of Names

The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum Launches Hall of Names

This popular museum, located in Gloucester’s historic docks, is in dedication to the memory of all those who have served their country as Soldiers of Gloucestershire. Fascinating displays and story boards provide a vivid insight into the lives of the soldiers that have served in Gloucestershire during the course of the last 300 years.

What can you see?

Visitors have the chance to walk into a First World War trench, to try on army uniforms, and learn all about how soldiers won their medals. Interactive displays and changing exhibitions mean that there is also something new and exciting for visitors to see. Likewise, military buffs will enjoy the free quiz and children love to feel the weight of a rifleman’s rucksack.

Family historians are made very welcome and many have discovered what life was like for their ancestors. Of course, there is plenty to see and do for the whole family, The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum is well worth a visit. Here are just a few of the comments from visitors:

“Lovely, welcoming staff. Very interesting displays and child friendly”

“A very interesting museum and well presented. The story boards are especially well done”

“I visited the museum in memory of my grandfather Major R.B. James who served from 1914-1938! Many thanks to the archivist David Read whose enthusiasm and hard work are much appreciated. A brilliant museum, well set out and very informative.”

Refurbishment

As a charitable organisation, the museum benefited from Heritage Lottery funding, which allowed refurbishment to take place in 2014. The museum is always looking at ways to generate vital funds and has now taken on the Hall of Names system to print visitors’ coats of arms and surname histories.

Each print contains fascinating facts and intriguing insights into the chosen name, including migration to the new world, spelling variations, early movements, famous bearers of the name and also much more.

Hall of Names

The coat of arms displayed at the top of the scroll is the earliest one known to have been used by a bearer of the name. These heraldic prints fit perfectly into the museum’s shop,as they also appeal to visitors interest in their own family history.

Shop Manager Jade Smith explains why Hall of Names’ surname history prints are now on offer at the shop. “Our visitors are often keen to learn more about their past, and the surname history prints are the ideal product. Everyone likes to take away a nice souvenir, and these prints allow us to offer something that bit more personal. As a result, I’m really looking forward to showing them to our visitors!”.

For additional information or to visit the website for the Soldiers of Gloucester Museum, click here. Find out if we have the coat of arms and surname meaning for your surname.