Historic Cannon and Artillery at Royal Armouries Leeds

The Royal Armouries in Leeds is home to several historic cannon and artillery pieces displayed outdoors around the museum. These guns range from muzzle-loading cannon to mortars, each reflecting the development of warfare and engineering.

What is Artillery?

Big weapons designed to throw projectiles farther and harder than a person ever could.

Artillery includes ancient catapults and later cannon and mortars powered by gunpowder. As these weapons grew stronger, they were used not just against people but to smash walls, ships, and fortifications.

Some artillery from the national collection is displayed here in Leeds, while most moved to Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, in 1995.

Artillery has been used on land and sea for thousands of years. Mechanical engines were replaced by gunpowder weapons, allowing armies to break walls, dominate battlefields, and control coastlines.

9‑pounder gun (1702–1714)

Cast iron 9-pounder gun with raised reinforcing rings and flared muzzle

Direct to Target 9‑pounder gun (1702–1714)

Look for the rose and crown on the barrel. They help identify this gun as English, made during the reign of Queen Anne (1702–1714). A letter “F” stamped on the right trunnion marks the foundry where it was cast. This mark is not visible in the photograph.

A broad arrow stamped on the barrel is the official mark of the British government. The gun was designed for use on board ships or in forts. It fired solid iron balls directly at enemy targets.