The MC Tsen Military Uniform Collection features an impressive array of uniforms, accessories and memorabilia, offering a fascinating insight into military history.
Housed in our Stable Yard, above the Wagon Shed, the Uniform Collection at Doddington consists of around 900 military uniforms and 3000 accompanying accessories.
Much of the collection is British Army officers’ ceremonial uniforms, dating from 1881, the year of the Childers Reforms, to 1945, the end of the Second World War. There is also a small range of Navy and RAF uniforms, and some court and civil ceremonial outfits.
A lot of the English uniforms were made on Savile Row in London, with the Scottish uniforms produced by some of the finest tailors in Edinburgh.
About half the uniforms in the collection are named and in many cases the name, rank and regiment can be cross referenced with the Army List. This has enabled us to uncover fascinating details about the former owners and gain a deeper understanding of where the uniforms were worn.
Visit the
Uniform collection
The Uniform Collection is open for tours on selected days only. Private tours can also be arranged for groups of 10 or more.
About the collector
The original collector, Meng Chi Tsen, was Chinese by birth. His father - a poet, essayist and Kuomintang politician - was assassinated in 1939 by the secret service. Ten years later, his mother took her three sons to Paris and Meng Chi attended boarding school in England. When the Queen’s coronation took place in 1953, the pageantry and ceremonial uniforms of the procession made such an impression on Meng Chi that he became a dedicated collector in later life – and an expert in the field of British militaria.
Meng Chi’s incredible collection was originally housed in Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked as a university professor. After retiring, he moved to a large farmhouse in New Hampshire where his collection came to fill many of the rooms.
Meng Chi sadly passed away in 2019, with a request that his collection should remain together and be returned to England after his death. It is now on long-term loan to Doddington Hall, where it is displayed in a dedicated purpose-built space. This remarkable exhibition is a testament to one man’s passion for military history and craftsmanship.
Thinking about
stopping by?
With so much to do at Doddington, it can be hard to fit everything into just one day. So here are a few useful things to know before you set off:
Meet our
Volunteers
Housed in a purpose built space above the Doddington Farm Wagon Collection, the Uniform Collection includes 900 military uniforms and 3,000 accessories, including hats, swords and boots. The stunning exhibits are a testament to one man’s passion for military history and craftsmanship.
Doddington Hall
Conservation
The Doddington Conservation Charity was conceived to conserve, restore, enhance and protect the natural and cultural heritage of Doddington for the long-term benefit of the wider community.
Discover more
Collections
Wagon Collection
Located in our Stable Yard, the Doddington Wagon Shed houses a fascinating collection of English farm wagons, collected by Claire’s father, Antony Jarvis, since the 1960s.
View this Collection
Tapestries Collection
If walls could talk… Three of the bedrooms at Doddington Hall are decorated with the most incredible Flemish tapestries, dating back to the 17th century.
View this Collection
Artwork Collection
Doddington Hall is home to a wealth of priceless artwork, from the monumental painting by Joshua Reynolds in the Long Gallery to the hand-drawn illustrations passed down through owner Claire's family.
View this Collection
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