The Coltman Trench is a recreated World War One trench system built in the grounds of the Museum. During regular special events, including our very popular ‘Night in the Trenches’ event, the trench is staffed by living history groups.

Our trench system was opened in 1993 by Jack Staley, a veteran of  the South Staffordshire Regiment, who had served in both the First and Second World Wars. The area is a reconstruction of a 100 metre section of British front line trench from the First World War. It is named after Lance Corporal William Coltman VC, and serves as a memorial to him and all of the soldiers of Staffordshire who served in that war.

The primary purpose of the Coltman Trench is as an educational facility, providing visitors with an idea of the conditions soldiers lived and fought in during the First World War. Museum visitors may tour the Trench on their own but organised parties, including schools, are encouraged to arrange special visits where uniformed tour guides are able to explain and demonstrate aspects of the Trench and Trench Warfare.

To commemorate the beginning of the 100-year anniversary of the start of the start of World War One the Coltman Trench system was refurbished in 2014 to include some additional features and new exhibits.

The Coltman Trench is available for hire for filming and private functions. Click the button below to discuss in more detail.

Our Camp Fisher adventure playground is the only playground in the world which is based on a Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle.

Opened in the summer of 2019, it is dedicated to the memory of WO2 Ian Fisher who was killed in action whilst serving in Afghanistan with the 3^rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment in 2013.

Warrior vehicles were used by the Staffordshire Regiment in the first Gulf War, and are still used today by the 1^st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

The Warrior is accessible inside by wheelchairs and can accommodate children up to 12 years of age.

It was built with grant funding from the Armed Forces Community Covenant and Heritage Lottery Fund.

The museum has an excellent collection of armoured vehicles on display, ranging from World War 2 up until the first Gulf War in 1991.

Our current collection of armoured vehicles consists of the following:

• FV 432 Mk 1/1 Personnel Carrier

• Spartan MCT Personnel Carrier

• Iraqi MTLB- Personnel Carrier and Gun Tower

• Universal (Bren Gun) Carrier T16

• Ferret Mk 2/3 (VHF) Scout Car

• COMBAT Anti-Tank Gun

The Musuem hosts an authentic Pillbox, which was moved to the Museum site from its original position in North Staffordshire.

Structures like these were built up and down Britain in the early years of the Second World War.

They formed a series of stop lines, which the home defence force would work along in the threat of a German invasion.

The display inside has been designed to reflect the way it would have looked when in use during the war.

Please note the original design of the structure means that, unfortunately, it is not accessible to all visitors.

Please ask at reception if you have any questions about the accessibility of this exhibit.

Step inside our Second World War public air raid experience and close the door behind you if you dare.

Inside you will experience the sounds of what a real air raid during the blitz sounded like.

The sound clippings used for the experience were originally taken during a bombing raid of nearby Coventry City.

The experience is fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

The low lighting and sound effects may not be suitable for younger children.