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New Director General and Master of the Armouries Announced

The Royal Armouries’ Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Nat Edwards as the new Director General and Master of the Armouries.

Director General Nat Edwards stands in front of a circular window in the Hall of Steel at the Royal Armouries Museum

Nat is currently Chief Executive Officer of Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds where he has overseen a £4million refurbishment of the museum since joining in 2018. Prior to that he has accrued over 30 years’ experience working in museums, heritage and visitor attractions. His career spans institutions such as the Science Museum Group, National Library of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Glasgow Museums.

John Procter, Chair of the Board of Trustees said:

“Nat Edwards impressed the recruitment panel with the breadth of his experience ranging from extensive capital funding projects, business initiatives, large scale exhibitions and community and educational projects. His passion for connecting museums with the audiences and communities they serve stood out and we are looking forward to his arrival at the Royal Armouries in the Autumn.”

Nat Edwards, incoming Director General and Master of the Armouries said:

“One of the wonderful things about working in museums is that, however many years you spend in them, they never fail to amaze and surprise. The Armouries is one of the world’s oldest museums and, over the years has witnessed through its buildings and collections, some of the most incredible stories – touching every aspect of our humanity at its best and at its worst. I can’t wait to discover those shared stories together with all the new audiences whom I will make it my mission to welcome in – not simply as spectators to history but as active participants in its making.”

About the Royal Armouries

Entry to the museum is free but some activities carry a small charge.

  • Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire.
  • The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries
  • Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 December
  • Website