We were invited to design a new building for the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum at Hever Castle which had previously been housed in the castle keep and was not easily accessible. There was also a requirement for an educational space where schools and tour groups could give classes, lectures or seminars in a suitable environment. We designed 2 buildings to resemble military operations tents; they are well camouflaged in a woodland setting with Saladin armoured car and a 25lb field gun on site!
HRH Princess Alexandra officially opened the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum in September 2015. To celebrate the opening there was a military parade including the regimental band, serving soldiers and old comrades and a talk by Professor Sir Hew Strachan about Yeomanry in World War I.
The Museum has a large exhibition of original artefacts such as photographs, medals, diaries, uniforms and equipment dating back to 1797. There are also reconstructions of a World War I trench, with sound effects, and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret.
Entry to the new Military Museum is included with the normal admission price to Hever Castle & Gardens and for more information about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry please visit www.ksymuseum.org.uk/.
