This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

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Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

      ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

      The Platoon exercise: Rod and Home

      Feb 1860

      Albumen print | 22.3 x 28.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2942139

      Photograph of six men standing with rifles, during an exercise, gated wall to right. Part of collection of seventeen photographs (RCINs 2942127-43) taken at Hythe in 1860 by Fenton, who became a member of the Hythe School of Musketry and was placed in the 1st Section of Volunteers.

      • Creator(s)

        Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Hythe School of Musketry
        Volunteer Forces
        Army-GB

      • 22.3 x 28.4 cm (image)

      • The Platoon exercise

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Kent [England]
                  • Hythe [Kent]
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Engineering & Technology
            • Military engineering
              • Arms (weapons)
                • Firearms
                  • Rifles
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
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