Trifter

THE DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Durham City primary commemorates the history of the county regiment, the Durham Light Infantry.

It was formed in 1881 in a merger of the 68th Light Infantry raised in 1758 and the 106th Bombay European Light Infantry.  Always known as the Old Faithfuls, the regiment was disbanded in 1968.

A major exhibit is the 2-pounder anti-tank gun manned by Newcastle born Adam Wakenshaw when he won his posthumous Victoria Cross in North Africa, This award is one of seven VCs won by the regiment in the museum along with hundreds of other regimental medals.

The museum mainly tells the story of the men who marched away to war all over the world and the people they left behind them.  There is a particular stress placed on the two world wars of the 20th Century.  The exhibitions use letters and extracts from diaries supported by the recorded voices of DLI soldiers of the Second world War telling of their exploits and experiences.

The courage and fortitude of DLI men and their families can be witnessed in the museum as can their emotions in their darkest days and in their hours of triumph.

Visitors can find out how the Durhams lived in the trenches of the First World War, in the jungles of the Second World War and the savage wars of peace since 1945 and in Korea.

Red tunics are available for the four to nine year olds to wear while they explore the museum.

Meanwhile the eight to 12 year olds can experience Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories books in the Dreadful Dugout and the Horrible Homefront, thus learning their history in an entertaining way.

A yearly gathering of military vehicles ranging from cycles to tanks is held over the August Bank Holiday at the museum.

Eminent military historian gave frequent well-attended Saturday lectures

The art gallery stages an exciting exhibition programme each year.  Events range from the work of local artists to that of such figures of international repute as Henry Moore and Beryl Cook.

Other exhibitions and demonstrations are staged by local craft groups, such as the Durham branch of the Embroiderers Guild.

A large number of concerts and musical recitals are held, especially the regular ones staged by the Durham Young Musicians.

Workshops on various arts and crafts are often tutored by local and visiting experts, particularly during the school holidays.

A licensed café, with fine views over the parkland surrounding the museum serves hot and cold light meals and refreshments.

There is disabled access to all parts of the museum with dedicated parking near the entrance.

Landscaped gardens outside the museum provide ideal spots for picnics and there is a guided walk with stunning views, especially towards Durham Cathedral.

The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

More details can be obtained from 384 2214 or you can visit their website on