Military People

Understanding conflict and peace – Towneley cares for many objects which represent how Burnley has been affected by Britain’s military past. These include medals, commemorative plaques, war memorials, weaponry and uniforms.

You can view the Burnley Rolls of Honour, which commemorate local people who died during both World Wars, in the Hall.

Explore more about the First World War (1914-1918) in the Military Room. In the Burnley Room you can see the Victoria Crosses awarded to Second Lieutenant Victor Smith and Private Thomas Whitham.

The Military Collection includes 130 objects relating to General Sir James Yorke Scarlett (1799-1871). General Scarlett led the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at the 1854 Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War (1853-1853), where he was wounded twice. He made Burnley his home when he married Charlotte Anne Hargreaves in 1835.