This impressive British MKV Bell Tent is a high-quality reproduction of the classic military tent pattern used by the British Army during WWII. Its distinctive circular shape, generous centre height and heavy brown cotton canvas make it an authentic centrepiece for any re-enactment camp or historical event.

The tent has a floor diameter of approximately 14 ft or 4.27 metres and an internal centre height of approximately 11 ft or 3.35 metres. This creates a spacious interior suitable for use as sleeping accommodation, an officer’s tent, field headquarters, medical tent, presentation area or part of a historical military camp.

The side walls are approximately 2 ft or 61 cm high and can be rolled up to provide additional ventilation during warm weather. Three ventilation openings are incorporated into the roof.

The tent is manufactured from heavy brown cotton canvas weighing approximately 400 g/m². The canvas has been treated against rain and is suitable for normal use at events and military camps. Twenty individual canvas roof sections create the characteristic conical shape of the British Bell Tent.

This version is supplied with twenty traditional hemp guy ropes fitted with wooden tensioners, together with a large canvas storage bag.

Please note: this item is supplied without a centre pole, additional tent poles or tent pegs. These must be purchased separately or already be available.

Historical Context

The circular Bell Tent was a familiar sight in British military camps throughout the first half of the twentieth century. White versions were already in service during WWI, while darker brown canvas versions were also associated with British field camps during WWII.

Bell Tents were used in different theatres of war and could serve as troop accommodation, officers’ quarters, administrative spaces, medical tents or temporary field headquarters.

According to the historical War Department accommodation guidelines, a tent of this size could accommodate:

• 1 general or colonel;
• 3 other officers;
• 5 warrant officers;
• 7 sergeants;
• up to 15 other ranks.

These figures represent historical military capacity rather than modern comfort levels. A lower occupancy is recommended for comfortable present-day use.

Its authentic appearance and generous dimensions make this reproduction suitable for British WWI and WWII re-enactment, living history, museum displays, film productions, theatre and historical events.

Specifications

• Product: outer canvas for a British MKV Bell Tent
• Type: high-quality reproduction
• Manufacturer: Kay Canvas
• Period: suitable for British WWI and WWII displays
• Colour: brown
• Material: heavy cotton canvas
• Canvas weight: approximately 400 g/m²
• Treatment: treated against rain and moisture
• Floor diameter: approximately 14 ft / 4.27 metres
• Internal centre height: approximately 11 ft / 3.35 metres
• Side wall height: approximately 2 ft / 61 cm
• Number of roof sections: 20
• Roof vents: 3
• Entrances: 1
• Side-wall pegging points: 22
• Approximate canvas and accessory weight: 29 kg
• Side walls can be rolled up
• Entrance can be folded open to provide taller access

Included

• 1 brown MKV Bell Tent canvas
• 20 traditional hemp guy ropes
• Wooden tensioners fitted to the guy ropes
• 1 large canvas storage bag

Not Included

• Centre pole
• Additional tent poles
• Wooden or metal tent pegs
• Other camp equipment shown in photographs

Ask us for the additional costs for shipping this tent.