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George IV
About the Collection

Learn more about the Royal Collection, one of the most important art collections in the world.

Arms and Armour

Impressive displays of weaponry have been a feature of royal palaces since the 17th century. Examples of these decorative compositions of 'standard issue' weapons arranged on the walls can still be seen at Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.  George IV added to the collection, choosing pieces for their decorative merit and curiosity (including the German 18th-century gun that fires heart-shaped bullets on display at Windsor). Among the highlights of the collection at Windsor is the last suit of armour made at Greenwich for Henry VIII in around 1540.  Other parts of the Collection are on long-term loan to the Royal Armouries at Leeds.

Further Reading

G.F.Laking, The Armoury of Windsor Castle, London 1905

H.L. Blackmore, Royal Sporting Guns at Windsor, London 1968


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.