Traders: The East India Company and Asia

A new, permanent gallery exploring the history and continuing relevance of Britain's trade with Asia through the story of the East India Company. Established by a group of London merchants, the East India Company was given its first royal charter by Elizabeth I and during its 250-year history took on pirates, princes and rival traders in its pursuit of profit. The show examines the commodities traded by the Company, the people that shaped it, and the conflicts and rebellions that were its ultimate undoing. Objects on display include Japanese, Chinese and Burmese swords, models of ships and navigational instruments, Nelson's Japan-pattern breakfast service, Victoria Crosses awarded during the Indian Mutiny, and journals kept by Company sailors.