We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry

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We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry

Discover the history of the Durham Light Infantry and the remarkable life stories of "The Durhams" from 1758 to today in this bold new permanent exhibition at The Light.

The Durham Light Infantry, known as "The Durhams", was an infantry regiment of the British Army, originally formed as the 68th Regiment of Foot in County Durham in 1758. Over more than two centuries, its soldiers served across the world, building a strong identity rooted in loyalty, courage and community - an identity that continues today through its successor regiment, The Rifles. 

Step into this interactive exhibition and come face to face with the people behind the uniforms. Listen to soldiers and their families speak about fear, friendship, pride and loss. Explore objects that travelled with them and defined their lives - from wedding rings and letters sent home to medals for extraordinary bravery, including the Victoria Cross. Alongside these are striking displays, from giant sports trophies to firearms spanning generations, revealing how military technology and service evolved over time. 
 
Spanning the regiment's story from its formation in 1758 to its legacy today, this exhibition explores how service shaped soldiers, their families and the communities they came from - and returned to. More than a military history, this is a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community. 
 
Through images, sound, hands-on interactives and rich sensory experiences, the gallery invites you not just to learn about the Durham Light Infantry, but to experience what it felt to be part of it. 

Once a Durham, always a Durham.