Chillingham and Eclectic Militaria

We had a few days in Northumberland to break the monotony of being stuck at home through Covid. We had been here before but had to break off our visit early so I wanted to go back, one of the oddest places to visit I have been but great fun and interesting for all that.

Its privately owned and on display is the private collection of the owner which is an eclectic mix of militaria from around the world.

The Castle itself is originally 12th century and sits right in one of the wildest parts of the Anglo-Scottish border. They also have a herd of wild cattle, apparantly the original pink eared white cattle the Romans saw roaming the forests when they came and the last place in England that has any.

For the most part I have included pictures here of Indian related items that might be of interest to readers who follow my Sikh Wars project. There are no labels on the exhibits so its a case of working it out for yourself but some of it is really nice. The below for instance are good example of Indian Dahl shields randomly on a cellar wall near the toilets.

Hung from the wall when you enter are a couple of these displays with some lovely weapons, you can just see two bamboo lances of the type used through the Victorian period in India.

The big bronze horns are apparantly Tibetan used to call people to prayer.

Either side of a massive tapestry are rows of Jezails which do look authentic to me. I love how they are all slightly different being hand made.

Below the tapestry is a wonderful example of Indian armour, this beautiful steel Dahls sheild with lots of inscription and scroll work reminds me of the one carried in the Osprey "Victorias Enemies" by a Sikh Gorchurra Horseman.

The Persian four mirror amour and helmet with block ostrich plumes was typical of Sikh cavalry armour but also probably of some other North Indian armies.

The long wooden item leaning against the wall is in fact a Jingle or camel gun, quite a few of thesw` are propped up in corners about the place, interesting given my latest project.

More bamboo lances and Tibetan horns.

This giant mace rminds me of the one the Iron Duke monkey god figure carries, its in good nick and I cant help thinking that may be because it is a replica.

One of a couple of nice Kukri knives about the place.

And an Indian punch dagger, again one of a few scattered around the hall.

The tulwar swords at the bottom of this display look original and northern Indian to my untrained eye.

A couple more Persian style helmets, again typical of Indian cavalry helmets.

This armoured horse and rider I am a lot less sure of, Asian-Middle Eastern or North African not sure, impressive though.

This flanged mace does again look very Indian just sat in the middle of the table.

As we left the hall this ECW Lobster helmet is just sat on one of the steps.

And in the bedrooms full of Victorian furniture an Afghan Knife or Chora is sat on one of the tables.

Outside the Gardens are lovely though not extensive, this was probably the best view I got.

A trio of old field guns are sat rotting on the lawn, they were a bit straighter a few years ago when I visited but the wheels have started falling off.

I will leave you with this lovely arty shot I got of a butterfly, just because its nice!

Well recomended if you are up that way, a treasure trove of militaria although you will have to work out what it is yourself.