HorsePower: The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars

HorsePower: The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars stands in Winchester, Hampshire, inside the Peninsula Barracks. It belongs to a group of six military museums sharing the same site. The museum tells the story of the King’s Royal Hussars and its two predecessor regiments, the 10th and 11th Royal Hussars, which merged in 1992. Exhibits cover three centuries of cavalry service, from uniforms and medals to weapons and armoured vehicles. Life-sized model horses and photographs bring the past to life alongside audio-visual displays. Paintings show generals like Major General Sir John Douglas and scenes from the Boer War. A replica dugout lets visitors step into First World War trench conditions. The museum highlights key moments such as the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. A diorama recreates the aftermath of that battle, while another display shows the Boer War through the Victoria Cross stories of Henry William Engleheart and Sir John Milbanke. Alexander Roberts Dunn’s bravery during the Charge of the Light Brigade is also remembered. Objects from these events, including spears, shields and swords, sit beside the paintings that depict them. The Archive of the 10th, 11th and other Hussar regiments is kept here for research. Visitors find a shop selling military memorabilia and a cafe called Copper Joes nearby. The Peninsula Barracks setting provides a single place to explore several related museums. The exhibits mix personal stories with wider military history. Cavalry equipment and models fill the galleries, while the archive offers deeper study for those interested. The museum balances education with engagement, using visual and tactile displays to connect visitors with the past.