Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum

About This Museum

The RAPTC Museum is a small but friendly museum located in the grounds of the Army School of Physical Training. The items and memorabilia on display tell the story of physical training in the British Army from 1860 to the present day.

Discover how the Royal Army Physical Training Corps has kept the British Army Fighting Fit & Fit to Fight for over 150 years. Formed in 1860 as the Army Gymnastic Staff, the Royal Army Physical Training Corps is responsible for the physical development of the British Army. Its members are all Physical Training Instructors and are attached to every major unit in the British Army. The museum has a substantial collection of objects such as medals and trophies, uniforms, weapons, paintings, sports and training equipment. Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructors have represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games since 1908 and played sports at a professional and international standard, including Olympic sprinter Kris Akabusi, Olympic gymnast Nik Stuart and professional football player & manager Matt Busby. Discover their stories and many others in our unique and interactive displays.

The museum maintains a large archive and photographic collection, including personal documents and historical papers relating to physical training in the army. The reference library holds material relating to sporting history and development and physical training. If you are researching any aspect of physical training and sport in the army then contact the museum.  Personal visits to use the library and archive are welcome but an appointment is necessary.