Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Military History Museum in Maldon
Founded in 1996 as a registered charity, the Combined Military Services Museum has grown into Maldon's premier institution for preserving and showcasing military history. Our collection, amassed over decades by founder Dr. Richard Joseph Wooldridge, includes over 10,000 artefacts spanning from ancient warfare to modern conflicts. With expert curation and accessible exhibits, we provide educational resources for schools, interactive displays for families, and specialist research opportunities for historians.Our team of dedicated volunteers and trustees ensures the museum remains a dynamic space for learning, with regular updates to exhibitions and digital access through our virtual museum platform. The museum's purpose-built facility in Maldon's historic Station Road offers secure, climate-controlled display areas and accessible facilities for all visitors.
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Group Bookings
Virtual Museum Access
Special Events
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer access to one of Europe's largest private military collections
- Our educational programs align with national curriculum requirements
- We provide accessible facilities including lift access to all floors
- Our expert team includes former military personnel and historians
- We maintain a 24/7 climate-controlled environment for artefact preservation
What people say
Wonderful collection
Friendly staff
Very informative
Larger than expected
Well worth visiting
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Explore our extensive military collections featuring over 10,000 artefacts from ancient warfare to modern conflicts. The exhibitions include the Donnington Firearms Collection, SAS equipment, and Cold War espionage tools. Visitors can view rare items like the Cockle canoe from Operation Frankton and the Military Intelligence Collection.
Educational Programs
Our curriculum-linked educational programs cater to primary, secondary, and higher education groups. Specialised tours cover topics from World War II Home Front to Special Operations Executive activities. The museum provides pre-visit resources and post-visit follow-up materials for teachers and students.
Group Bookings
We offer tailored experiences for groups of 10+ visitors with dedicated guides and exclusive access to specific collections. Group bookings include priority entry, reserved time slots, and optional refreshment facilities in our courtyard area. Special arrangements can be made for veteran groups and military associations.
Virtual Museum
Our digital platform provides 3D scans of key artefacts, digitised documents, and audio tours through the Gerry Holdsworth Trust-funded virtual museum. Visitors can explore the Special Operations Executive archives and examine detailed views of historic weapons and uniforms from any location.
Special Events
We host themed events throughout the year including WWII commemorations, military vehicle displays, and expert-led lectures. These events feature guest speakers, living history demonstrations, and opportunities to meet curators and veterans, enhancing the visitor experience beyond standard exhibitions.
People
Dr Richard Joseph Wooldridge
Founder & Trustee
Founder of the museum after starting his collection at age 7 in 1968. Served as curator during the museum's development and continues as a trustee. His vision transformed a personal passion into a nationally significant collection housed in a purpose-built facility since 2004.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 5pm. Last entry recommended by 3:30pm. We are closed Mondays and Tuesdays but open daily during school holidays.
Are tickets available online?
Yes, we offer online ticket booking for individual and group visits. Online purchases include timed entry slots to manage visitor numbers and ensure optimal experience.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have lift access to all floors and accessible toilet facilities. Our staff are trained to assist visitors with mobility requirements and we provide accessible routes through all exhibition areas.
Do you offer educational resources for schools?
We provide curriculum-linked educational programs for Key Stages 1-5 with specialist tours and learning materials. Our Home Front and World War II collections are particularly popular with school groups.
Can I donate military artefacts to the museum?
We consider donations of military-related artefacts that align with our collection policy. Potential donors should contact us via our website to discuss the item's provenance and historical significance before making arrangements.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use. Commercial photography and filming require prior permission from the museum management. Some restricted items may not be photographed due to copyright or donor agreements.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Ryan Keen
Jun 02, 2021
Report
Had a really enjoyable visit today. Great to see so many pieces covering such a long history and with plenty of detail also
