Rowena H.
Yelp
OK, so you might judge me for this. But I have a confession, and I'm preparing for the onslaught... I've only just, this last weekend, had a proper nosy around the Royal Armouries. *Ducks the flying objects* I know, right? How can I have left it so long before taking a look around? I don't know, guys. I don't know. But I did, and now I've been, and now I know what the fuss is about.
The fuss is about mother flippin' awesome sword collections. Insight into armies and armouries of old, weaponry of all kinds, tradition, history - the things that got us to where we are today. It's not a comfortable thought, to look at old weapons and realise what an influence they are on where we are today, but it is what it is.
Since we only had an hour and a half before closing, the chap and I gunned (sorry for the pun) straight for the Eastern collection. I had a sneaky look at cross bows first, and immediately coveted one for some unknown reason, and then stood in awe looking at the size and variation of weaponry in the next room. The collection of Chinese swords, glaives, and various other hand held items was really impressive. The glaives look so heavy and are so massive, I can't imagine how they were able to fight. And there's even an evil looking claw, (eagle claw?!) for ripping clothing or something.
The videos were great too, I watched an awesome one about the archery tradition in Japan, which is ongoing. These guys are incredible - they gallop along a track, standing on the horse, and fire at targets something like 75m apart. Not easy at full speed on a horse. Amazing to see. And there was one about sword making, I think, but alas children were in the way. (I forgive them!)
The only downer is the café. It irks me no end that the museums I've been to in this country all seem to have such a disappointing and lack lustre offering where refreshment is concerned. The space could be an attraction in itself, with artisan coffees, locally made cakes, and such like. But no, the paintings on the wall appear faded from having been there for the last millenia, the coffee is from a sub-par machine, the cakes are in excess of £2.50 for a tiny pre-packaged slice, and the décor is... drab doesn't cover it. A real shame. You do get a view of the waterside though.
So - five stars for all the awesome collections - and I'll be back to see more soon - but minus points for the naff café. Although, I'll finish by saying get yourself down there!