A WHITCHURCH antiques shop has taken a glance into the UK's military history as part of a research project.

Raven Yard Antiques, based in Watergate Street, is run by the Ebbs family and hosts a whole number of rare and exotic items.

But as part of their work they regularly research their artefacts as give people a glimpse into the life stories of their original owners.

One of their most recent discoveries is a uniform belonging to a Royal Artillery Militia Officer, circa 1890.

Gregory Ebbs explained the discovery.

"Named to a Thomas Moor Alphonse Horsford Esq, Mr Horsford joined the Cornwall and Devon Miners Artillery Militia in 1867 and served in the regiment for more than 33 years.

"Despite the regiment’s manpower shortages throughout the late 19th century, Horsford did his best to keep the regiment alive and train his men for the possibility of being posted abroad on campaign.

"As with much of the pre-war generation however, his later years were marked with tragedy.

"Colonel Horsford died in 1914 at the age of 67.

"Perhaps this was fortunate as in May 1915, Lieutenant Moore Alphone Horsford, his eldest son, was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres, his remains never discovered.

"Horsford’s wife survived until the Great War’s end and died in 1918, his youngest son however being the only member of the family who survived past 1918.

"His story is not unique but sits as a small glimpse into the lives of our ancestors."

The uniform has now been acquired by English Heritage at Pendennis Castle and will be displayed at an upcoming exhibition.