The Golden Hinde, the magnificent full-size replica of the famous Elizabethan galleon Golden Hind, captained by the brilliant navigator Sir Francis Drake, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 5th, 2023, with a fun filled day of activities at the ship, docked at St Mary Overie’s Dock, next to London Bridge and Borough Market.
The original English galleon is best known for her privateering circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580 and the replica has been a much loved museum for 50 years. To mark this momentous event, The Golden Hinde has a fun-filled day planned for visitors of all ages.
The festivities will start with Tempus Fugitives, experts in Elizabethan swordsmanship, who will be showcasing fighting demonstrations using 16th-century North Italian martial systems that were popular in London during the Elizabethan period from 11.30 until 1pm. Visitors will get a close-up view of traditional combat methods originating from the 15th century that were codified during the second quarter of the 16th century.
For music lovers, The HogEye Men, London’s premier sea shanty crew will be entertaining visitors at 1.15pm with their authentic and entertaining renditions of sea songs and shanties.
There will be an anniversary speech from Roddy Coleman at 2pm who sailed the ship extensively around European and American waters, followed by the cutting of the birthday cake to commemorate the occasion.
Children and adults can take part in craft activities in the ship’s hold throughout the day including designing their own pirate flag and creating a 50th birthday card for The Golden Hinde. All activities are included in the admission price, and visitors are welcome to join in the festivities.
To mark its 50th year, The Golden Hinde is also launching a major fundraising campaign to raise much-needed funds to carry out essential maintenance work throughout the anniversary year, which includes new rigging.
In a statement, Roddy Coleman, Director of The Golden Hinde, reflected on the ship’s incredible journey since its launch in 1973. He said, “Over the past 50 years, The Golden Hinde has braved many oceans, completed a historic circumnavigation, and welcomed millions of visitors across the world. Today, it stands as a remarkable museum and educational resource in the heart of London, allowing people to immerse themselves in the rich maritime history of Elizabethan times, and providing a unique venue for events, parties, and weddings.”
Coleman emphasised that despite its enduring popularity, The Golden Hinde receives no central funding and relies on operational income and public support to stay afloat. He added, “We are appealing to the public to help us keep The Golden Hinde going,” he said. “Maintaining the ship in the way it would have existed in the 16th century is no small feat, and every year, it costs £150,000 to preserve its legacy. We have ambitious goals, including a complete re-rigging of the ship, which will require replacing critical elements such as the masts, spars, standing and running rigging. We hope our supporters will join us on this exciting journey to keep The Golden Hinde afloat for generations to come.”
To donate to the 50th fundraising appeal go to: https://www.goldenhinde.co.uk/50th-appeal
