Durham Light Infantry research, study and education

Keen on finding out about our local regiment, general military history or more about items in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection?

Not sure where to start with your research or study? Read our Research advice section first.

Stored collection

The DLI stored collection is now housed at Sevenhills, Spennymoor - full address details are in the contact us section.

It is preferable to contact us ahead of a visit. This will enable us to best prepare and locate any items which you may wish to see. Viewings are currently programmed between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays but if you would like to view an item outside of these times then get in touch with us.

With regular bus services to the area, Sevenhills can be easily reached by public transport. You can use Traveline North East (see our Offsite links) to help you plan your journey. Nearest bus stops to Sevenhills are York Hill Estate, York Hill Crescent, York Villas, Tweed Road and Five Lane Ends - Cemetery.

Regimental research book collection

The research book collection will be available to the public for the first time at Sevenhills and, whilst you can drop in and use the majority of items, some books will only be available on appointment with supervised access from the curator.

About the new research and study area

The research and study area is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Volunteers and Friends will be available to help your research.

Access is via a secure buzzer system. Initially the research and study area may not be staffed at all times so, if you'd like to visit, it's best to contact us to arrange an appointment.

Facilities available on site

Meeting space for eight to 10 people
Photocopier and printer
Free parking (up to ten spaces)
Toilets
Ramp access

Digital collections

You can also view objects and medals from the DLI Collection in our digital databases:

DLI Objects collection

Medal collection

Courageous Restraint objects collection

Education services

Schools programme

All our workshops can be tailored to any age and ability and enable students to make links between school projects and the DLI Collection. Our workshops will engage students with real objects and real experiences of DLI soldiers throughout history.

We can offer sessions in your school and bring with us handling objects so students can touch and feel real objects from the time period you are studying.

Find out more about Learning with the DLI collections.

Volunteering opportunities

The DLI Collection depends upon the support of dedicated volunteers. If you'd like to try something new, make new friends or gain skills to help you back in the work place contact us at sport and leisure volunteers.

No prior experience is needed, just lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.