Today (23rd April 2019) marks the 10 year anniversary of The Fusilier Museum in its current location in Moss Street, Bury.
The military museum which tells the fascinating stories of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers first opened its doors to the public at Wellington Barracks in 1934. After many years of fundraising by the board of Trustees in the early 2000’s and searching for bigger premises the museum then moved to its current location in Bury town centre. It first opened its doors on St George’s Day, 2009 but was officially opened by HRH the Duke of Kent later in the year.
The total cost of the relocation project exceeded £4.2 million with £1m of the funding being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
In 2014 the museum further enhanced its offering by completing phase 2, a £1.4m funded redevelopment of the top floor which included a new state-of-the-art conference and events space The Minden Suite, The Quartermaster’s Store a new open store to house the museums collection and the re-location of The Fusilier Archive.
The award winning museum now welcomes in excess of 25,000 visitors each year and has hosted a wide range of temporary exhibitions including 6VC’s before breakfast, 18 for 18 and most recently Army Brides: Dresses through the Decades which looks at bridal fashion during the last century.
The museum is also now a popular conference and events venue as well as an education learning centre for thousands of school children each year.
Colonel Brian Gorski, Chairman of The Fusilier Museum, said: “I have been involved with the museum for many years and have seen it grow from strength to strength during this time. Myself and the board of trustees have always had ambitious plans for the museum and we will continue to maintain its position as one of the leading military museums in the country. Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment from all our staff and the board of trustees. A huge thank you to them for their continued support as well as external supporters and organisations.”
The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire, is home to the collections of The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to service in the Regiments.