A new £1 million exhibition, Firing Line, opened this week at Cardiff Castle to celebrate the last 300 years of the Welsh Soldier.

Firing Line a new museum of Welsh military history opened this week at Cardiff Castle  Photograph ©Betina Skovbro on behalf of Cardiff Council

 Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier is a collaboration between 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh, to provide a modern, interactive gallery taking over the entire lower floor of the Interpretation Centre at the Castle.

 The museum’s Director, Christopher Dale, said: “Our aim is to tell the story of the Welsh soldier over the last 300 years, from the creation of the two regiments, through the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 when both regiments fought together up to Iraq and Afghanistan today.”

Collection of ceremonial artefacts and Lance Corporal Dewi the Second, Goat Mascot of the Cardiff Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. The regimental goats are raised at Whipsnade Zoo and belong to the royal herd  Photograph ©Betina Skovbro on behalf of Cardiff Council

 The exhibition has cost £1.08 million, funded by the two regiments, Cardiff Council, donations from livery companies and grant-giving trusts.  Cardiff Council also funded the construction of the basement area in the Interpretation Centre to provide a new home for the exhibition as part of the partnership with the regiments.

 “We have a mix of historical information, exhibits, a programme of living history events and hands-on activities to give our visitors an understanding of why ordinary people are prepared to do extraordinary things and carry out outstanding acts of bravery,” explained Christopher Dale.

 The exhibition tells stories from the history of both regiments, including that of the nine men of the 24th Regiment of Foot who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their defence of the supply depot at Rorke’s Drift in 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War.  This was the greatest number of Victoria Crosses ever awarded for a single battle.

 There is also an Afghan pennant and sword taken in Afghanistan in 1919.  This is reputed to be the last cavalry charge made by the British army before tanks and other armoured vehicles replaced horses.

Ceremonial drum of the Cardiff Battalion of the Welsh Regiment  Photograph ©Betina Skovbro on behalf of Cardiff Council

 Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, commented: “This high-quality exhibition is a significant new addition to the visitor experience at Cardiff Castle.  We welcome this partnership with the military which further supports the Council’s aim to make the Castle a world-class visitor attraction.”

 Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' leading heritage attractions.  In its 2000 years of history, the site has been a Roman Garrison, then a Norman stronghold, before being transformed in Victorian times by its then owner, the Marquess of Bute, into a lavish Welsh Camelot.  The Castle was given to the people of Cardiff in 1947 and is now managed by Cardiff Council.

 Entrance to Firing Line is included as part of the Essential and Premium Tour tickets to the Castle.

www.cardiffcastle.com