Discover The Top 5 Things To See At The Royal Armouries

With its extensive collection and captivating displays, The Royal Armouries, offers a journey through history like no other. Located in Leeds Dock, this museum is a treasure trove of arms, armour, and military artifacts from across the globe and through the ages.

Here are the top five must-see exhibits at The Royal Armouries:

1. Elephant Armour – 17th century – 18th century

Located on the fourth floor of the Royal Armouries, one exhibit stands out not just for its size but for its sheer uniqueness and historical significance: The Elephant Armour. This extraordinary piece is a must-see for anyone visiting the museum, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and lesser-known aspect of military history. This is the only known surviving example of a near-complete mail and plate elephant armour in any public collection in the world. It was probably made in an Indian arsenal in the late 16th or 17th century, but it is difficult to be certain exactly where or for whom.

The mail and plate structure for body armour was used mostly in northern and central India during this time and is often associated more with the equipment of Muslim states. Yet this armour is decorated with peacocks, lotus blooms, and fish, perhaps suggesting it was produced in an area that retained elements of Hindu culture. The armour would originally have been formed of eight panels, three at either side of the body and one each for the head and throat. Two of the main sections from the right side of the elephant are missing.

2. Re-Loaded Exhibition

Held until 30 June 2024, the Royal Armouries invites you to visit Re-Loaded, an exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on a unique collection of firearms. Throughout history, guns have been embellished and intricately decorated, often plated in gold and adorned with diamonds. As aesthetic objects of art, they have served various roles, from campaigning for peace and acting as tokens of love and desire to being diplomatic gifts between nations.

This thought-provoking pop-up exhibition encourages us to reconsider the symbolism of guns. Visitors will have the opportunity to view iconic objects from the Royal Armouries’ collection alongside modern art pieces by renowned artist and peace campaigner Bran Symondson-Baxter. This limited-time exhibit can be found on the fourth floor.

3. King Henry VIII’s Horned Helmet

The Horned Helmet is one of the most striking and mysterious pieces in the collection. Crafted in the early 16th century by renowned armourer Konrad Seusenhofer, this unique helmet was a gift from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I to King Henry VIII.

Distinguished by its menacing horns and lifelike facial features, the helmet was likely intended for courtly pageantry rather than battle. Its intricate design and historical significance offer a fascinating glimpse into the opulence and symbolism of Renaissance armour. This iconic helmet, which has also become the logo for the Royal Armouries, symbolising the rich heritage and storied collection housed within the museum.

4. Tournament Gallery

The Royal Armouries in Leeds houses an impressive collection of armored suits, showcasing the evolution of protective gear from the medieval period to the Renaissance. These suits of armour, meticulously crafted from steel, were designed not only for protection in battle but also as symbols of power and prestige.

Each suit is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of historical armorers, featuring intricate engravings, gilded accents, and personalised heraldic designs. Among the highlights are the lavishly decorated tournament armors of King Henry VIII, which reveal the blend of functionality and flamboyance that characterised the period. Visitors can explore the rich history and craftsmanship of these armours, gaining insight into the martial culture and technological advancements of past eras.

5. The Hall of Steel

Prepare to be amazed by the Royal Armouries giant staircase, which features a dazzling arrangement of 2,500 objects consisting of 17th-century and 19th-century military equipment. This impressive display reimagines how items from their collection would have been exhibited at the Tower of London in the 17th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into history.

Discover their angled mirror on the ground floor, which allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the display. It’s also a perfect spot for snapping memorable photos, making it one of our most popular photo opportunities.