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10.00am - 5.30pm
FREE
Chelsea, London

Ireland

‘Welcome to the Irish Republic, Sir!’ A British infantry patrol lost on the border with Northern Ireland, 1988

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Timeline: Ireland and the British Army

The British Army has played a central role in the long history of conflict and co-operation between Britain and Ireland. Here we explore some of the key moments in this difficult but fascinating story, charting British-Irish military history from its origins to the present day.

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The Battle of Vinegar Hill, 21 June 1798

Irish Rebellion of 1798

In 1798, an underground republican group known as the Society of United Irishmen instigated a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. Although the revolt ended in total defeat for the rebels, it marked a significant watershed in Irish history.

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Replacement VC group awarded to Private Francis FitzPatrick, 94th Regiment, 1879-1900

Lost and found: A tale of two VCs

The medals of Private Francis Fitzpatrick, an Irish-born Victoria Cross hero, have recently been reunited at the National Army Museum after more than a century of separation.

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Cavalry of the New Model Army, c1645

British Civil Wars

Fought between 1642 and 1651, these wars were primarily disputes between Crown and Parliament about how the British Isles should be governed. But they also had religious and social dimensions, and witnessed the creation of the first national standing army.

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The Battle of the Boyne, 1690

Nine Years War

Between 1689 and 1697, British soldiers joined a European alliance against French expansionism. At the same time, extensive fighting took place in Scotland and Ireland between the supporters of King William III and the deposed James II.

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Collar badge of The Ulster Defence Regiment, c1970

The Ulster Defence Regiment

This infantry unit was formed in 1970. It served with the British Army in Northern Ireland until 1992, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Regiment.

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Cap badge, other ranks, The Royal Irish Rangers, c1970

The Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd and 87th)

This infantry unit was established in 1968 and recruited in Northern Ireland. It served with the British Army until 1992, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Regiment.

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Cap badge, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers), c1914

The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria’s)

This infantry unit was formed in 1881 and recruited in the Irish province of Ulster. It continued in British Army service until 1968, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Rangers.

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Glengarry badge, other ranks, 87th (Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment, c1874

87th (Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot

This Irish infantry unit was raised in 1793. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Fusiliers.

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Glengarry badge, 89th (Princess Victoria’s) Regiment of Foot, c1874

89th (The Princess Victoria’s) Regiment of Foot

This Irish infantry unit was raised in 1793. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Fusiliers.

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Other ranks' cap badge, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, c1930

The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

This Irish infantry unit was established in 1881. Recruiting in Ulster, it existed until 1968, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Rangers.

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Other ranks' glengarry badge, 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, c1874

27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot

This Irish infantry unit was raised in 1689. It continued in British Army service until the 1881 reforms, when it was merged into The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

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Glengarry badge, 108th Regiment of Foot (Madras Infantry), c1874

108th Regiment of Foot (Madras Infantry)

This unit was originally raised by the East India Company in 1854, but soon transferred to British Army service. In 1881, it was merged into The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

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Explore Ireland learning resources

Easter Rising 1916

Video

KS3 (Ages 11 to 14)

Easter Rising 1916

Watch experts from museums in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland sharing their thoughts on objects from our Easter Rising collection.

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