The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry Regimental Museum

The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry Regimental Museum is a UK-based charitable organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and heritage of the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry (DLOY), a historic cavalry and armoured regiment of the British Army. The museum's charity number is 279135.

History and Location

The museum was established in 1979 through a Trust Deed devised by the Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT), which has been a significant benefactor supporting its operations and efforts to maintain military museums amid funding reductions by local authorities and the Ministry of Defence[5]. Initially housed at Rufford Old Hall, an Elizabethan manor near Southport, the museum relocated in 1982 to the former Sessions House in Preston, Lancashire. This location became available after the motor taxation office vacated the premises, and since then has served as the museum's permanent home[5].

Collections and Exhibits

The museum houses an extensive collection that traces the regiment's history from its origins in 1798, up to the present day. It includes artifacts from the 19th century, the Second Boer War, both World Wars, and peacetime soldiering[1]. The exhibits feature personal memorabilia, military equipment, uniforms, and regimental records that document the regiment’s evolution from a part-time cavalry unit into an armoured regiment. The museum also highlights the regiment’s connections with Lancashire and its notable service in campaigns such as the Second Boer War, World War I in Egypt, Palestine, and the Western Front, and World War II where it served as medium artillery in various theatres including the Italian campaign[1][2][5].

Relationship with Other Military Museums

The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry Museum shares its Preston premises with the Northern Museum of the King's Royal Hussars (KRH). The two regiments have historical links, especially through their joint service in the Italian campaign during World War II—DLOY as medium artillery and the King's Royal Hussars as tank units. Additionally, a related component of the museum at Stanley Street focused on the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment has largely been relocated to Fulwood Barracks, with ongoing efforts to find a new home for collections related to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, the infantry unit formed from recent amalgamations[5].

Significance

The museum plays a crucial role in preserving the local military history of Lancashire and the legacy of the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry. It serves as a resource for historians, researchers, veterans, and the public interested in the regiment’s distinguished service and evolving role within the British Army. Continued support and funding remain vital to keeping this heritage accessible for future generations[5].

This museum encapsulates over two centuries of military history, reflecting the contributions of Lancashire’s citizen soldiers from the late 18th century to the modern day.

[1] https://www.armymuseums.org.uk/listing/duke-of-lancasters-own-yeomanry-museum/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Lancaster's_Own_Yeomanry [3] https://ageofrevolution.org/venues/duke-of-lancasters-own-yeomanry-museum/ [4] https://whichmuseum.com/museum/duke-of-lancaster-s-own-yeomanry-museum-preston-3864 [5] https://sites.google.com/site/archivesofthedloyeomanry/regtl-museum/report-summer-2016