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Researching the collection and archive

Military collection and archive

Heart-shaped fabric object studded with decorative pins.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Abington Park Museum is home to the military collection. The collection holds material relating to the Northamptonshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry covering the period 1741 until 1971. The Northamptonshire Regimental collection consists of both objects and documentary archives, and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry collection consists of objects with documentary archives available at Northampton Record Office.

Who can make a research visit

Research visits to the military collection are encouraged by the museum. We welcome visits by students, academics, researchers, historians, family history researchers and military enthusiasts to see items that are currently not on display in our galleries. We welcome access to these resources through research visits, viewings and correspondence. Access to the collections and archives will be available from September 2021 due to Covid-19.

How to book a research visit or make an enquiry

Visits are by appointment only. Access to the collections and archives will be available from 2021 due to our major expansion project at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Book a visitor research or enquire about the collection

You will be able to view a specified selection of objects or archive relevant to your own interest. There will be a limit on the number of items you can see at any one appointment.

What you can view

Northamptonshire Regiment collection

The Regimental Collection consists of objects donated to the Northamptonshire Regimental Museum Trust over many years, including medals, weaponry, uniform, ceremonial drums and other objects, musical instruments, issued equipment, medical and convalescence objects, souvenirs, art, trench art, mess and silverware. Alongside more formal objects there are many personal items donated by individuals which include diaries, personal letters, personal service papers and photographs. Key objects include the colours which were a rallying point for the troops.There are also some records prepared by the Regiment such as casualty lists and nominal roles and official photographs. Collectively they tell a complete story of the Regiment and its later history as part of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Northamptonshire Yeomanry collection

The Yeomanry Collection consists of objects donated to the Northamptonshire Yeomanry Regimental Museum Trust over the years which include medals, weaponry, uniform, ceremonial, drums and other objects, guidons, issued equipment, medical and convalescence objects, souvenirs, art, trench art, mess and silverware. Alongside more formal objects there are many personal items donated by individuals which include diaries, personal letters, personal service papers and photographs. Collectively they tell a complete story of the Yeomanry and its later history as part of other Yeomanry Regiments. The Yeomanry history is part of the wider story of the Territorial Army.

Archive resources

We care for the following archives:

Northamptonshire Yeomanry Archive

This consists of photos, official documents, personal diaries and papers. This is held at the Northamptonshire Record Office.

Research the Northamptonshire Yeomanry archive

Northamptonshire Regimental Archive

This consists of photos, official documents, personal diaries and papers. These archives can be accessed by appointment.

Many personal items have been donated to the Museum over the years and these include diaries, personal letters, personal service papers and photographs. These collections are supported by a library of reference books relating to their history with certain limited military records and lists produced by the Regiment.

Some record lists prepared by the Regiment are available including:

  • Enlistment Registers
  • Nominal Rolls
  • Discharged soldiers remaining in New Zealand from the 58th Regiment in 1858
  • Officers Service Records for joining the 48th from 1825-1920
  • Officers Service Records for joining 58th 1826-1898
  • Officers Service Records for the 3rd (Militia) Battalion circa 1860-1902
  • Casualties suffered by the Northamptonshire Regiment during the Boer War, 1899-1902
  • Medals awarded to the Northamptonshire Regiment during the Boer War, 1899-1902
  • Nominal Roll of the 1st Battalion, August 1914
  • Rolls of Casualties and Decorations of the 2nd Battalion, 1914-1918 (for L-Z surnames)
  • Silver War Badge holders for honourable discharge due to injuries 1914-1918
  • 1914 Star Award lists for the 1st and 2nd Battalion
  • Marriage and Baptism Registers for the 48th and 58th Regiments of Foot 1825-1911

Research the Northamptonshire Regimental archive

Information to help your research

If you have an enquiry regarding researching family members in the Northamptonshire Regiment or Yeomanry have a look at our guidance.

Guidance on researching your military ancestors 

The First World War Conflict and Community project resulted in research into First World War objects from the collection. Information on the database can help with family research and projects.

First World War collection database