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If you grew up within (or just outside) the M25, you may recall a school trip to Southwark to take part in a living history experience on the Golden Hinde. Being guided by staff dressed in historic costume on the replica vessel and learning how the original Elizabethan galleon became the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe is a core memory for many Londoners.
After 30 years of sitting in the docks of Southwark, the ship is getting a makeover. The galleon will have its starboard repaired so everything remains shipshape, as part of a wider £4 million refitting project that began back in 2017. Refurbishment will include mostly local materials such as wood from English oak, elm and ash trees, with the exception of Congolese iroko.
The museum is also planning a series of events to honour the ship called the 30 Years in the Dock Memory Project. Photos and personal stories from crew members, alumni, local residents and visitors will be gathered to commemorate the ship’s story since its docking in 1996.
While the project is more of a reflection on the ship’s legacy to the community, the refurbishments ensure the ship will remain in the dock to educate future generations. Roddy Coleman, the Golden Hinde’s director said: ‘This anniversary is a moment to reflect on that legacy – but more importantly, to ensure the ship remains here for future generations to enjoy.’
Not familiar with the Golden Hinde? Sitting on the Thames between Southwark Bridge and London Bridge, it’s a replica ship modelled on Sir Frances Drake’s Elizabethan galleon, The Golden Hind. Launched in 1973, the replica ship sailed over 100,000 miles on sea before docking in 1996 at St Mary Overie Dock. Now the boat is used as an immersive experience to learn about the OG ship’s 16th century history.
The Golden Hinde will remain open to visitors throughout the refurb, which should be complete by autumn 2026.
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