Little outlaws who are quick on the draw can see some historic Wild West guns when they mosey on down to the Royal Armouries this half term.
The Clarence Dock museum has organised a host of cowboy-themed activities during the school holidays, including a display of their very own Magnificent Seven – a selection of some of the most iconic guns sported by the legends of the Old West.
And the star of the show will be a Colt 73 revolver which was caught up in one of the most infamous chapters in American history.
The fabulous example of ‘the gun that won the West’ belonged to John Tunstall, the English friend of Billy the Kid, gunned down in 1878. His death sparked the Lincoln County War and The Kid’s bloody campaign for murderous revenge.
Earlier this week, the YEP was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Armouries’ high security gun store, where the weapons were being given a last-minute polish.
Jonathan Ferguson, curator of firearms said: “It’s one thing to have something that we know is old, but to know this was in the hands of someone who was such a part of history, it makes it even more exciting. And it makes it far more relevant for our visitors too.”
Half term activities will include performances and gunfights this Saturday and Sunday and the chance to hold Native American weapons.
Jonathan said: “I think people love the Old West because they see it as a simpler time. But in reality, it was a very hard life.”
For full details of activities, visit: www.royalarmouries.org
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