The Story of the glorious Warwickshire Yeomanry

On 14th June, the monthly social gathering “In the Ballroom” heard a fascinating talk from Philip Wilson about the county’s volunteer cavalry regiment, the Warwickshire Yeomanry. And the equine theme continued with a tricky quiz about horses.

Philip served with the Queen’s Own Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry, the successor to the Warwickshire Yeomanry. Now he is Trustee, Principal Curator and Archivist of the impressive museum in the former kitchens of the Jury Street Court House. The museum is dedicated to commemorating the exploits of the intrepid horsemen formed in the 18th Century to defend the county from possible French invasion.

In an illustrated talk, Philip explained how the Yeomanry had become vital parts of Britain’s overseas military campaigns in hostile environments during the Boer War, and WWI and finally in WWII when they became a mechanised unit using Sherman, Grants and Crusader Tanks.

Preparing for the talk about the Warwickshire Yeomanry

Philip Wilson was a volunteer with the cavalry regiment and is now Custodian and Archivist for the museum

After tea and cake, guests grappled with a fiendish quiz with an equine theme. Can you answer the 20 questions? (Link attached below) Two teams tied for first place with an impressive 17 out of 20 correct answers.

In the Ballroom is a friendly social gathering with a talk or activity, a quiz, and tea, coffee, cake and time to chat – provided by Unlocking Volunteers and the Town Council staff. Anyone who lives in Warwick is welcome to come along from 2pm to 4pm. The sessions will be on the first Thursday of each month until the end of the year. There’s no need to book; just turn up. It costs just £2 per person.

The next edition of ‘In the Ballroom’ will be on July 5th and will feature a talk about the famous boxing Turpins of Warwick and Leamington.

(Can you answer the 20 questions in the The Equine Quiz? In the Ballroom Horse Quiz 20 Questions )