The Indian Army at Hampton Court Palace

Name: The Indian Army At The Palace
Start: 2023-09-15
End: 2025-09-28
Location: Hampton Court Palace

Where? Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey When? 15th September 2023 to 28th September 2025 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Wed-Sun, Jun-late Jul & Sep); 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Mon-Sun, late Jul-Aug); Last entry 1 hour before closing Price? Included in the cost of admission · See hrp.org Usual entry cost: Adults £28.80; Children £14.30 (5-15); Infants free entry (under-5); Family ticket £78.90 Buses: 111, 216, 411, 461, 267, 513 Bus fares Trains: Hampton Court Train fares

Hampton Court will be putting on a special display that tells the forgotten story of how the Indian Army once camped at the palace, using previously unseen photographs, films, objects and personal testominies.

The Indian Army's first visit to the palace was in 1902 when they were invited to participate in Edward VII's Coronation parade. They returned for George V's in 1911 and George VI's in 1937, and also joined the 1919 peace parade after the end of World War I.

Troops eating in the Indian Army's camp for George V’s coronation

The 1919 encampment was truly huge, housing almost 1,800 officers, soldiers and civilian workers, becoming the largest-ever movement of people from the Indian subcontinent to Britain.

Troops marching towards the East Front of the palace in 1919

The exhibition will bring to life the experiences of the people who lived within these camps, along with the public reaction to their presence. You'll view early news reels, read press reports, and see photographs of the troops marching through the streets to their camp in Home Park.

You'll also discover how the thousands of soldiers were provided with food and entertainment - including bus tours to the Tower of London and day trips to the River Clyde - and how they were given seperate slaughter pens, kitchens, laundries and latrines to respect the religious requirements of Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus.