The Fusilier Museum — Attraction in Bury

A lot of museums are known for being somewhat olde worlde and somewhat drab in their appearance. Sometimes even the exhibits and some of the staff fall into that description. My visit to the Fusilier Museum was quite the contrary.

Stepping through the entrance door was like entering into a bright mini mart. A profusion of items that were for sale, were displayed to their best advantage. Modern shelving was fixed to the walls and free standing book cases were neatly arranged about the floor space, All of which were filled with tempting goods. Books of different shapes, sizes and colours were begging to be read. Each telling their own story of various wars that the Fusiliers had been involved in over the years. There were games and toys for the children to buy. Shopping bags, mugs, pens and all the usual souvenir items were to be had.

A short distance away was the reception desk, looking like one that might be seen in a four star hotel. A pleasant lady was on duty to answer my query. Public toilets were in easy reach of the desk. They were spacious and clean and there was wheel chair access to one of them. The museum proper is on the same level and once again provides easy access for wheel chair users. The exhibits are bright and well displayed. The lighting is tasteful and efficient.

The Fusilier story is told in chronological order, with life size mannequins wearing full military uniforms and each playing their part. Presently being displayed, as part of the Centenary celebrations for the First World War, are five Victoria Crosses that were all won 'before breakfast' on the one day.

Following a most enjoyable and educational tour of the museum I returned to the reception area where there is a lift. A restaurant is situated one floor up which is modern and spacious. I noticed salad dishes were being consumed by the lady visitors, possibly getting in trim for the coming summer weeks. As for myself, I made do with a pot of tea and a scone with butter. Unlike the weak tasting tea that tends to be sold at public places, this one was strong. Perhaps it was the military influence that made it so.

Staff members were on duty to answer questions and to deal with any problems. I put them through their paces with my many questions and I have to say they graduated with flying colours. I really think Bury's Fusilier Museum has got a winning formula. Good gifts; good exhibits; good presentation and above...

The Fusilier Museum is a museum in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Its collection includes the uniforms, medal and artefacts of the Lancashire Fusiliers.

The Fusilier Museum was originally housed in the Wellington Barracks on Bolton Road. In 2009, the museum moved into the former Bury Arts and Crafts Centre building on Broad Street, which had closed in December 2004 after 110 years on the site.

The new museum was officially opened by the Duke of Kent on 25 September 2009.

The Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment ceased to exist in 1968 after with was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers along with three other Regiments. Thus the museum is part of a family of other Fusilier museums: the Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland in Alnwick Castle, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire) in Warwick and the Fusiliers Museum (London) at the Tower of London.

The building was originally designed as a Technical School for Bury Borough Council by local architect Joshua Cartwright in the Neo-Renaissance style, and completed in 1893. It was built on land acquired from Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby. The frontage bears the inscription "Technical School" and is decorated with a frieze of five panels, each containing five sculpted relief figures representing the crafts and skills that were taught at the school, including mathematics, science, engineering, printing, pottery, literature and music. The figures were sculpted by John Jarvis Millson and J.R. Whittick.

In the 1940s, the Technical School was reorganised as the School of Arts and Crafts, and later the Arts and Crafts Centre. It is now a Grade II listed building.

The museum houses the collection of the Lancashire Fusiliers, commemorating over three hundred years of the regiment's history. Beside the museum stands the Gallipoli Garden and the Grade II*-listed Lancashire Fusiliers...

Excellent. Last time I visited was in April 2015 to view the 'Six VC's before breakfast' exhibition. Much has expanded since then and whilst some labelling of exhibits were a little mixed up, and some were in need of being provided, the overall quality and rarity of exhibits remains very good. A few tricks are missed with a couple of important items elevated way above head height which need to be brought closer to the visitor, (thinking of the Spandau Maxim 08) and perhaps the WW1 area could benefit a repro trench periscope and view across either the Western Front or Gallipoli to help illustrate and support the text narratives. One very good standard are the mannequins not being inside exhibition cases which always allows much better scrutiny and appreciation, of the uniforms and equipment. Overall for an adult to get entry for under £5 and being issued a ticket you can return as many times as you wish for 12 months (!) is surely a fantastic bargain. Souvenir shop now well stocked with good selection of 2nd hand military books at rock bottom prices, good cafe on 1st floor. So much is done by volunteers it deserves its full 5 stars...