#London #United Kingdom #Lord Ashcroft #Victoria Cross #George Cross

The Historic Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection to Open at the National Army Museum

On March 15, 2026, it was announced that the esteemed collection of Victoria Crosses (VC) and George Crosses (GC) amassed by Lord Ashcroft will find a new home at the National Army Museum in London. Previously displayed at the Imperial War Museum, where the Lord Ashcroft Gallery was closed last September, this collection is recognized as the largest of its kind worldwide, featuring nearly 250 VCs and GCs.

Lord Ashcroft expressed his enthusiasm about the relocation, stating, “I am thrilled to find such a splendid place for this unique collection of bravery medals. It brings me great joy that these VCs and GCs, which span numerous major wars and conflicts over the past two centuries, can once again be appreciated by the public.” His appreciation extends to the Museum's shared passion for both the decorations themselves and the incredible stories of bravery that accompany them.

Justin Maciejewski, the Director of the National Army Museum, commented on the significance of receiving such a collection, saying, “We are honored to be entrusted with these VCs and GCs from Lord Ashcroft’s medal collection. We are immensely grateful for his generosity and continued commitment to championing these extraordinary stories of courage.” The National Army Museum is dedicated to sharing the history and heritage of soldiers across the globe, and the newly acquired medals will play an essential role in illustrating the narrative of military bravery and valor.

Chris Finney, a trustee of the Museum and the Chairman of the VC and GC Association, shared the sentiment, emphasizing that this rare and extensive collection spans centuries of military service, sacrifice, and extraordinary bravery within British armed forces. He remarked, “We have the privilege of sharing these medals—and the inspiring personal stories they represent—with visitors and online audiences, where they can continue to inspire people of all ages for generations to come.”

Lord Ashcroft’s journey in assembling his collection began in 1986 with the acquisition of a single medal group at auction. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, the VC stands as the highest award for bravery in the presence of the enemy within the UK and Commonwealth. Likewise, the GC, established by King George VI in 1940, acknowledges courageous acts outside of combat with a history of honoring several civilians for their remarkable acts of bravery.

The collection also includes decorations awarded to military forces for gallantry in the sky and at sea. Lord Ashcroft’s passion for these awards was inspired by his father, Eric, who was a young officer that participated in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Among his collection, Lord Ashcroft holds one of the three VCs and Bars—denoting two VCs—that have been awarded over the last 170 years. This particular medal group honors Captain Noel Chavasse VC Bar, MC, a military doctor who served and was killed during the Great War.

In light of the previous gallery's closure, Lord Ashcroft made his collection digitally accessible on his website. The collaboration with the National Army Museum aims to allow the public to witness the impressive collection physically and draw inspiration from the remarkable stories of valor it represents. The exhibit of the VC and GC at the National Army Museum will commence within the next two years, with some medals being showcased as early as July through temporary exhibitions.

The National Army Museum will proudly display items from Lord Ashcroft's medal collection alongside its existing exhibits that narrate the history of soldiers and their service, encompassing the origins of the Victoria Cross amidst the Crimean War's backdrop. In a gesture of commitment, the VCs and GCs will be on long-term loan to the museum. Concurrent with this exhibition, the museum plans a comprehensive program that includes educational resources, talks, guided tours, and digital content that delve into the personal narratives of courage behind the decorations.

Further details regarding Lord Ashcroft’s partnership with the National Army Museum for the showcasing of his VC and GC collection will be published in the coming months. To learn more about Lord Ashcroft's work, visit LordAshcroft.com or follow him on social media channels.