This is event is hosted by the National Army Museum on behalf of the Chelsea History Festival

The Victoria Cross is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces for valour ‘in the presence of the enemy’. They are hugely valuable medals and each one carries with it a fascinating story of the recipient’s service and act of bravery.

Michael Naxton is an expert on medals and curator of Lord Ashcroft’s Collection of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses, the largest in the world. He will trace the history of the award from its instigation in 1856, during the Crimean War, to the present day.

Naxton will also discuss how certain significant instances have resulted in changes to the original statutes that governed this award, created to recognise the bravery of soldiers regardless of their rank.

Michael Naxton is a world-leading medal expert who was formerly the director of Sotheby’s and head of their medal department until 1987. Currently the curator of Lord Ashcroft’s VC collection which is the world’s greatest and numbers 212 awards. He regularly advises museums across the UK on their medal collections and offered his expertise at several notable trials involving medal theft or forgery. He is also an eminent maritime historian with a particular interest in Admiral Lord Nelson.

The Victoria Cross with Michael Naxton