Army Physical Training Corps Museum

The Army Physical Training Corps Museum display includes pictorial records, militaria and gymnastic equipment used from the very first Army Physical Training Course held at Oxford University in 1860 to the present day.

It was clear during the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean war that the British soldiers were unfit. In 1860, Major Frederick Hammersley took 12 Sergeants from different regiments to Oxford University to train for six months under Mr. Archibald McLaren. They became known as the twelve apostles.

The first Army gymnasium was built at Wellington Lines Aldershot in 1866. Since 1860 the APTC has been responsible for the fitness of the British Army, expecially during two World wars. Apart from pictures of different methods of training there are many photos of APTC members who have represented their country in national events and the Olympic Games.