Research Facilities

The Gurkha Museum holds records and archive material from over 200 years of Gurkha History, including documentation from the period of the earliest Gurkha recruitment into Britain’s forces in 1815. The Museum’s records document the expansion of the Brigade and their actions in the 19th century along the North-West Frontier, and records detailing the role of the Gurkhas in both World Wars.  

In 1947 the Brigade of Gurkhas divided, with six regiments becoming part of the Indian Army and four joining the British Army. These latter four brought their historic regimental records with them and the majority of these are now held within our museum archives. (the records for the six now-Indian Gurkha regiments remain with their respective Regimental Centres in India).  

After 1947 new Gurkha units continued to be formed, with the existing Brigade now consisting of The Royal Gurkha Rifles (amalgamated from the four original British Gurkha regiments in 1994), Queen’s Gurkha Signals, The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support. These units all have their own rich histories and records and the Museum holds archive material connected to each of them, often from their creation. The museum also holds records on shorter-lived Gurkha units such as the Gurkha Military Police and the Gurkha Dog and Gurkha Boys Companies.  

In addition to the military aspects of the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Museum holds extensive material relating to the culture, religions and wildlife of Nepal itself, its history and the history of its people.  

Our collections are a unique and important research and educational resource for those wishing to learn more about the fascinating history of the Gurkha’s service to Britain.  

© The Gurkha Museum Trust Winchester - Registered Charity Number 1169920 (formerly 272426)