Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery's 3D Virtual Tour
On November 11, 2025, the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery introduced an innovative 3D virtual tour. This launch coincides with Armistice Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who have served in the armed forces. The virtual tour is now accessible through a newly established website, just weeks after the gallery located at the Imperial War Museum in London closed its physical doors to the public.
For the past four decades, Lord Ashcroft has dedicated himself to amassing the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses—over 240 awards, alongside a smaller collection of George Crosses. These two medals represent the highest honors for bravery in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Previously, Ashcroft's collection had been housed at the Imperial War Museum for fifteen years, but in September of this year, the museum made the decision to close this gallery, much to the dismay of many, including Lord Ashcroft himself, who expressed his deep sadness regarding the news.
In reaction to the closure, Ashcroft felt compelled to act in response to the public's outcry regarding the gallery's loss. “I was deeply distressed to learn of the IWM’s decision. However, seeing how many others shared my concern led me to do something to remedy the loss of the gallery,” he stated. He is excited to unveil the extraordinary virtual tour as a way to continue sharing the stories of bravery represented by his collection, describing it as a noteworthy alternative to the physical gallery experience.
The virtual gallery will feature hundreds of inspiring tales of valor, with Ashcroft’s medal collection spanning most major wars and conflicts over the last 170 years, tracing back to the Crimean War. This was significant, as it marked the inception of the Victoria Cross, an award instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognize exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy.
While the Imperial War Museum looks toward highlighting themes of diversity and contemporary issues, Ashcroft's new website is focused on celebrating bravery, particularly of those honored with the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. He fondly refers to these individuals as “the bravest among the brave.” His collection includes one of only three Victoria Crosses with bars, signifying multiple acts of valor that have been awarded since the medal's creation.
The highlight of the new Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection website is undoubtedly the virtual tour, which includes detailed information about all items in Lord Ashcroft’s medal collection. Beyond the Victoria and George Cross groups, Ashcroft also boasts a substantial assortment of medals awarded for bravery in the air and to special forces. Furthermore, he is actively exploring options to display his VC and GC collections, along with potentially other medal collections, to the public again. His aim is for as many people as possible to appreciate these remarkable acts of bravery for years and decades to come.
Any updates concerning new exhibitions of these medals will be announced on the newly launched website. Ashcroft has passionately devoted the last two decades to promoting the notion of courage. He has delivered numerous lectures addressing bravery and authored seven books in the 'Heroes' series, most of which draw inspiration from his extensive medal collection.
To explore the new 3D virtual gallery of the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC, visit
lordashcroftmedalcollection.com. Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and pollster, dedicated to honoring and promoting the values of courage within society. To learn more about his contributions and work, check out
lordashcroft.com and
lordashcroftonbravery.com. Follow him on social media platforms X and Facebook, @LordAshcroft.