Royal Armouries plans US exhibit

The Royal Armouries in Leeds has secured a permanent exhibition space in the American state of Kentucky.

Royal Armouries USA will occupy the entire third floor of the new Frazier Historical Arms Museum, which is due to open in Louisville in May.

The exhibition will present the history of the British Isles from 1066 to the early 1900s.

Attractions will include audio visual and multi media displays, life sized tableaux and nearly 400 artefacts.

It is believed to be the first time a national museum in the UK has opened a branch in America.

Museum officials are hoping the relationship between the two museums will flourish, leading to a possible twinning arrangement between Louisville and Leeds.