Home - The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester, Dorset

Welcome to the Keep Military Museum website through which we intend to develop our services to the public, be they visitors to the Museum in Dorchester, visiting our virtual galleries or using our research services.

The artefacts, weapons, uniforms, medals and of course the stories of the soldiers and their families and much more are on display over three floors. Computer and digital presentation, realistic battle environments, together with exhibitions, tell the tales of courage humour and sacrifice of the soldiers and their families who have served in the regiments of Devon and Dorset for over 300 years.

We aim to make our history available via the web, which is a key part of our outreach programme. Our virtual galleries provide in depth coverage of topics, documents can be downloaded and we will be developing educational services in support of Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and GCSE.

The Keep Museum' constituent Regiments are The Devonshire Regiment, The Dorset Regiment, The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, The Dorset Yeomanry, The Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, The Dorset Militia, The Royal Devon Yeomanry and 94 Field Regiment RA.

Spectacular views from the battlements of Hardy's Dorset are an added bonus.

Wheelchair access to all display floors by lift. Disabled toilet facilities are available.

Foreword by
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent,
Our Patron

Announcements

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Our address has been changed. It is now:
The Keep Military Museum
Barrack Road
Dorchester
DT1 1RN

The Musuem has not moved location; we are still in the same place and the Royal Mail assure us that any mail sent to the former Bridport Road address will still reach us.

SUMMER OPENING

Summer opening hours commence on Tuesday 1st April 2014:

Monday - Saturday inclusive: 10am - 5pm
Closed Sunday

These hours remain in operation until 30th September 2014.

Please allow 4-8 weeks for the completion of research queries due to the sheer volume of enquiries received. We will try to complete work in a much shorter time frame but this cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

We rely on entirely on donations to build up our collection and are very grateful for everything which is given to us.

If you wish to come in and see specific items that you, or a member of your family, has donated, please give us a few days notice. This will enable us to have the items ready for you to see and ensure that there is a member of staff or a researcher ready to attend to you. Thank you for your understanding.

World War 1 Display

Our new 1914 Trench Bunker was officially opened by Miss Kate Adie on Wendesday July 23rd 2014. This display will change to reflect each year of World War 1. Do come and see it - and remember, if you Gift Aid your admission, you get a yar's free entry!

JOINT TICKET DISCOUNT

We are running a special promotion in conjunction with the Dorset County Musuem. Visit us between 24th May 2014 and 31 August 2014 and receive £1.50 off adult /OAP admissions to the Dorset County Museum. Visit the Dorset County Museum and get £1.50 off adult/ OAP admissions to the Keep. It's a great opportunity to visit Dorchester's two musuems! The visit sdo not have to be on the same day.

Delays in Research

Due to staff leave there may be delays in responding to research enquiries and emails 24th July - 4th August inclusive. Please allow 4-6 weeks for research enquiries to be dealt with once payment has been received.
Thank you

The Rifles Infantry Regiment - please visit our Links page for web site links

The Regimental Association of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment

The Devonshire and Dorset Regimental Association preserves
the memory, traditions and comradeship of the Regiment

For news about the range of current and future activities
visit the Association's web site

The Old West Country Regiments
from Plassey to the Somme
(11th, 39th & 54th)
by Jeremy Archer

Available from the Museum Shop

click here for more information

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