subject: The Golden Hinde 2 for 1 with TAKETWO! [print this page] Ahoy Mateys! July 12th was the day taketwo set sail on the Golden Hinde! The Golden Hinde is located at Pickfords Wharf down Clink Street and offers visitors an unforgettable Living History experience. The vessel is London's reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's warship, it is an exact replica of the Tudor warship in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe in 1577 1580.
The reconstruction, which is a fully working ship, was launched in Devon in 1973. Since that time the ship has circumnavigated the globe and sailed over 140,000 miles many more than the original vessel ever did. She now sits berthed in St. Mary's Dock, London, right in the centre of historic Southwark, which is only a short walk from the Clink Museum.
When Sir Francis Drake returned to England in 1580, he became a very wealthy man due the amount of money he received on his travels and the fame he received when he got back. He was knighted and Queen Elizabeth I announced that the Golden Hinde should be preserved at Deptford so that the general public could visit the ship and celebrate Drake's and England's success. The Golden Hinde became Britain's first museum ship, unfortunately the original ship rotted away in the late 1600's.
At the Golden Hinde, they offer a variety of different events for everyone, there are the Self-Guided Tours which allow visitors to take a leisurely stroll around the decks and rooms of the vessel, taking in the atmosphere of sailing aboard this national treasure. Then, there are the Guided Tours in which costumed actors bring the history and the experience to life. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history behind what life at sea was like for officers and ordinary sailors. The actors then tell tales of Drake's sea adventures around the world, learning about the weapons and warfare of the 16th Century.
The Pirate Fun Day offers the chance for visitors to become completely immersed in the pirate experience aboard the mighty vessel. Visitors meet the dastardly crewmates, get to dress up as a pirate and go on a treasure hunt after listening to pirate tales. Each of these unique tours cost 7 for adults and 5 for children/concessions, however you only pay for one when you taketwo with the taketwo 2 for 1 London voucher and guidebook.
The Golden Hinde, Units 1 & 2 Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
