Five things: The Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock
Think you know the Royal Armouries in Leeds? Think again.
The museum opened in 1996 and is home to the National Collection of Arms and Armour. Its partner sites include the Tower of London and the Frazier History Museum in Kentucky.
The ceiling heights of the building were designed to accommodate the longest staff weapons when displayed vertically, and the main lift to be big enough to move the largest object.
Though the museum no longer has its own horses, two jousting contests each year are held. At Easter there is a four-day international tournament for the Sword of Honour.
A 15 per cent funding cut in 2011 so the museum’s roster of professional actors, expert riders and stable staff all made redundant.
Over 7,500 objects are displayed in the galleries. The building is five floors in height, with four of the galleries dual-floor. There is also a Peace Gallery, devoted to the end of warfare.
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