Mosey on Down to the Wild West - Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Howdy pardners! Grab your Stetsons and mosey on down to the Royal Armouries in Leeds this February half-term to witness the fascinating world of the Wild West.
Discover the Magnificent Seven – the most iconic cowboy guns in the Royal Armouries’ national collection – plus the latest Living History Days, daily “shoot outs”, weapon-handling sessions, children’s activities, films, talks and lots more.
The Magnificent Seven includes weapons of a type used in a variety of top films and TV shows – including Django Unchained; BBC drama Ripper Street; plus the famous ‘Tunstall’ revolver that belonged to rancher John Tunstall, whose murder Billy the Kid set out to avenge in 1878.
Other half-term highlights include:
- Saturday and Sunday (February 16 and 17) – Immerse yourself in the life of 19th century Western America, for a rootin’ tootin’ Wild West Adventure with Lonestar. This enthusiastic re-enactment group brings history to life with demonstrations, performances, gunfights and all sorts of authentic props, including a real Western chuck wagon and bivouacs.
- Saturday, February 16 to Sunday, February 23 – Discover tough times and tough characters; including bandits, desperadoes, rustlers and thieves. Don’t miss the daily showdown between our hotshot gunfighters, as they shoot it out.
- Most wanted! – Keep an eye out for shady characters including Kid Carlson, Hot Foot Holly, Kit Ducklin aka The Duck of Death, Lisa – the Scourge of the Prairies, and Showtime Shona.
- Handle weapons used by the Native Americans. Visitor experience staff will be on hand to explore how the weaponry and tactics, introduced by European settlers, impacted on native Americans on the battlefield.
- Enjoy story-telling sessions – including the tale of Davy Crockett, plus how buffalo were hunted to near extinction.
- Family activities – including throwing the snake in the boot and crafts. Also try your hand at gold panning (£2 charge) or lasso throwing and horseshoe throwing (free).
Royal Armouries is home to the national collection of arms and armour – including some of the most fascinating exhibits in the world.
Museum director Peter Armstrong said, “Our new Outlaws event gives a fascinating insight into the world of the Wild West and links to the iconic exhibits in our national collection. This offers a low-cost day out, with something for everyone – from Wild West aficionados to families looking for a fun but educational day out.”
Museum admission, including the Living History Days, is free. A small charge may apply to some activities. For times and more details of all events, including the Magnificent Seven guns visit the Royal Armouries website
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Notes to editors
- Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour and has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country
- Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
- Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-25 December
- Information Line: 0113 220 1999
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.