The Royal Welsh Museum

12/10/2026

- This is the General Service Medal 1793-1814, awarded to Pte James Mills of the 69th Regiment of Foot (later the Welch Regiment). What makes this Napoleonic Wars medal unusual is its Java clasp, awarded to those who served in the Java Campaign, an amphibious operation fought between British forces and the Kingdom of Holland, then an ally of Napoleonic France. At the time, the 69th Foot were serving as marines, highlighting the regiment's unique role in the campaign. Today, the Royal Welsh Regiment remains the only British infantry regiment to carry two naval Battle Honours on its Regimental Colour, a lasting reminder of its distinguished service at sea as well as on land.

12/10/2026

Gather round for our Night at the Museum! A family friendly evening on Friday October 30th 5:30-7:00pm.

Join for an evening of crafts, games and more! Just £2 per child.

Doors open from 5:30 and no booking required.

07/10/2026

On the night of 7-8 October 1918, CSM John Henry Williams of the 10th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, carried out the extraordinary act of gallantry that earned him the Victoria Cross. During the attack on Villers-Outréaux in France, he saw his company being pinned down by an enemy machine-gun position and suffering heavy casualties. Displaying remarkable courage, Williams ordered a Lewis Gun to engage the position before advancing alone under heavy fire. He rushed the enemy post single-handedly, capturing fifteen German soldiers. When the prisoners realised he was alone and turned on him, Williams fought his way clear and forced their surrender once more. His actions enabled not only his own company but also neighbouring units to continue their advance. As well as his VC, CSM Williams was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal and bar and the Medaille Militaire.

06/10/2026

On this day in 1902, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Stanhope Cobbe took part in the action at Erego, Somaliland, which would earn him the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry. During fierce fighting, Cobbe was left exposed with a Maxim gun after some of his troops had withdrawn. He single-handedly brought the gun into action at a critical moment and then, under intense enemy fire, rescued a wounded orderly from the battlefield.
His extraordinary courage and devotion to duty were recognised with the award of the Victoria Cross, gazetted on 20 January 1903.

01/10/2026

For we have this gorgeous little cup and saucer dating from around 1860. This elegant green and gold coffee set with 24th of Foot shako plate design was used by the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers in the Officers' mess for nearly 90 years. We love the vibrant colours of this dainty cup but feel its just not big enough for our morning caffeine hit!

30/09/2026

? This gorgeous little object is a tiny painting of the Regimental crest of the 24th Regiment of Foot. It was created around the time of the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, but little else is known about it. We think its lovely though!

29/09/2026

Don't miss out on the truly special Second World War in wool exhibition: The Longest Yarn: Britain at War.
This December, a total of 80 stunning intricate, and hand-knitted displays will be exhibited side by side, right here in Brecon. The exhibition, which will be hosted by the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, promises to take visitors on a journey through time to the 1940s and Britain's wartime experiences.

We'll be sharing regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exhibition news in the coming weeks, so follow our social channels and keep an eye on our website for all the latest information:

🔗 https://royalwelshmuseum.wales/exhibition-longest-yarn/

We are proud to announce that The Longest Yarn: Britain at War will be coming to Brecon this December. Featuring...

28/09/2026

We came across this great photograph whilst having a rummage through the archives recently and thought we should share it! It shows cooks from the 2nd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, at Sennybridge camp in 1962.

25/09/2026

FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2026 - Don't miss out on a fascinating talk by Doug Rattray, renowned battlefield guide and historian, as he presents “The Battle of Isandlwana (The Day of the Dead Moon)”. Come and join us for a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapes, included in the cost of your £30 ticket, along with an entry into a raffle to win a bottle of limited edition 'Tribute 43' Wh**ky, marking the 20th anniversary of The Royal Welsh Regiment.

Book your place now at: https://royalwelshmuseum.wales/talk-doug-rattray/

23/09/2026

For here's a lovely little trinket from 1879. This gold locket was a treasured possession belonging to the wife of Lt Charles d'Aguilar Pope. Lt Pope, whose portrait is in the locket, joined the 24th of Foot on 15th February 1868 and served until his death, in action, at the Battle of Isandlwana on January 22nd, 1879.