Lord Ashcroft's VC and GC Collection Finds New Home at National Army Museum

The extensive collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs) and George Crosses (GCs) owned by British businessman and philanthropist Lord Ashcroft will find a new permanent home at the National Army Museum in London, according to reports from PR Newswire. The collection, which is the largest of its kind in the world, was amassed by Lord Ashcroft over the past 40 years. It includes 192 VCs and 352 GCs, representing gallantry awards presented to British and Commonwealth military personnel and civilians. 'This collection is of huge national importance and we are delighted that it will now have a permanent home at the National Army Museum,' said the museum's director, Justin Maciejewski. 'It will enable us to tell the stories of exceptional courage and sacrifice in a way that will inspire and educate visitors for generations to come.' The move to the National Army Museum will provide a fitting and prestigious setting for the priceless collection, which has been previously housed in a dedicated gallery at Ashcroft's former offices. The museum, located in the heart of London, is the leading authority on the history of the British Army and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 'I am immensely proud of what has been achieved with this collection over the past four decades,' said Lord Ashcroft. 'It is my hope that by placing it in the care of the National Army Museum, it will be enjoyed, studied and celebrated by many people for years to come.' The transfer of the collection is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to the PR Newswire release.