A royal pistol returns

During this Coronation year, the Royal Armouries is delighted to add a rare 17th-century pistol from an under-represented British monarch to its collection

- MARK MURRAY-FLUTTER

IN THIS Coronation year the Royal Armouries is proud to announce the acquisition of a rare royal pistol once owned by one of the British monarchs least represented in our collections, King James II. Arms and armour have had a greater impact on geopolitical, social and sporting history than any other manufactured or bespoke product, and it is the job of the Royal Armouries to explain and present this in ways that are engaging, inclusive and continually improving. Our responsibility to preserve and grow the collection is matched only by our responsibility to ensure that everyone can access the rich heritage that we share. Through exhibitions, live interpretation and education and outreach work, we tell some of the most compelling narratives of human endeavour and spark dialogue about what divides us, unites us and how, together, we share the great stories of human history.