York & Lancaster Regimental Museum
The History of the Regiment
The Museum has been housed in Rotherham Library and Arts Centre since I forget when. A lot of years certainly and I've only just visited for the first time in 2001. The Museum is small but contains a wide range of relics and memories of the regiment. I have often wondered why anybody should want to be a soldier but you can see the attraction of far-away places to a poor town or country boy in previous centuries.
Admittance is free, information booklet 60p (2001). A pleasant way to while away the odd hour. Fit it in with a viewing of whatever show is on in the Art Gallery and a coffee afterwards in the café (Yuck decor - can't vouch for the seating or eating) and you have a nice morning.
There is a first class display of the Regimental Silver - I only hope that is behind tank-proof glass. Other items on display include uniforms, musical instruments, weapons, medals, badges and other military paraphernalia, letters and postcards.
For those of you who would like more information about relatives who served with York and Lancaster Regiment I am sorry but there are no online facilities through which to pursue your queries up to 2006. I am told that the long term objective is to make records available but this may take some time. The records of the regiment held in the regimental museum include:–
- A printed history of the regiment.
- Other medals, ribbons and citations of men who served in the regiment. These have usually been donated by family members and records include accompanying letters and a receipt book.
- Photographs and letters of men who served in the regiment not shown on display. Again these have usually been donated by family members.
- An information database for all records held.
If you wish to pursue any queries please contact the curator.
The regimental diaries are held in the Public Records Office at Kew.
Information
Address:- York and Lancaster Regimental Museum, Central Library and Arts Centre, Walker Place, Rotherham, S65 1JH. Tel. 44 (0)1709 823625. Website www.rotherham.gov.uk and search for museums.Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, closed Sunday and Bank Holidays.