Cornwall’s Army Museum is at a critical point in its journey to renewal, and its future is in jeopardy. Without Ministry of Defence support, the Army’s 300-year story will disappear from Cornwall.
If you live in Cornwall, please write to your local MP by 1 September 2026 to let them know why its important for the Army to have a museum in Cornwall and what it means to you.
Cornwall’s Army Museum at Bodmin Keep provides a place for the community to connect with military history and the Army in Cornwall. Your support will ensure the Keep and museum has a future.
Thank you
We have added a suggested letter for use below. You can find the name of your MP here.
Dear
Re: Cornwall’s Army Museum Under Threat
Bodmin Keep is the home of regimental spirit in Cornwall – it is the key location to connect with military history and the living Army in the county. Extinguish this and you lose forever a significant component of the fragile military infrastructure of “hearts and minds” in Cornwall.
More than this, the Museum is a thriving hub for the local population, serving many school children, cadets, visitors and veterans and provides an essential education resource where children, adults and families can learn what the Army does and its impact on the social fabric and community of Cornwall.
The MOD knows that more than fighting for their country, soldiers die for their friends. Cornwall’s Army Museum at Bodmin Keep represents this ethos as the place which commemorates the collective endeavour and bravery of British servicemen and women women in both the stories held by the museum and annual Remembrance service at the Keep’s Grade II* listed memorial. Recognising those who have performed military duty is central to the Armed Forces Covenant.
In August 2024 structural problems requiring urgent repair were discovered and Bodmin Keep was closed. The Army has agreed in principle that the Museum can take ownership of the Keep from the MOD but funds are needed for its repair. Let’s ensure that funds are found from the MOD’s heritage buildings budget to repair the Museum so it can re-open.
[As my MP], I urge you to support Cornwall’s Army Museum in its request for funding to repair and reopen Bodmin Keep both in the interests of Cornwall and the nation.
Yours sincerely
Your name
Please submit a copy of your letter to The Rt Hon Dan Jarvis, Secretary of State for Defence using the Ministry of Defence portal