National Maritime Museum

After going to the Fan Museum I had a couple of hours before meeting a friend so I’ve decided to visit National Maritime Museum. It was only a few minutes away and it’s free, donations welcome. I didn’t want to pay an entrance fee and not being able to see all the exhibits.

The ship in the bottle at the entrance looked fun. The museum is family orientated, but still interesting enough for adults.

Prince Frederick’s Barge was built in 1730s. It’s gilded with 22-carat gold sheets. It was designed in a way that allowed the passengers to step ashore without getting their feet wet. I think the carvings on the barge are exceptional, it’s stunning.

This map was very popular with kids and adults alike.

Around the UK’s map it was very crowded, obviously. Everybody wanted to take a picture of it. It was exciting to see Liverpool mentioned on the map. It was appropriate considering the important part Liverpool played in the global economy only 200 years ago.

It was mentioned that Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India and until their independence in 1947, all the monarchs signed with R.I.

These are real chains that were used to transport the slaves to America. It seems like they are part of a distant past, but slavery still exists today. It send shivers down my spine to see them.

Coffee, one of the best commodities brought from abroad. I love it… maybe I can even say that I can’t live without it.

A beautiful naval book, nicely preserved, published in 1589.

The National Maritime Museum was interesting and fun, it has lots of interesting displays. I had a wonderful time there.

After visiting the museum, I got a ginger cookie in the shape of a bat with chocolate on top and went to see the Cutty Sark in the evening. After admiring the London landscape, I boarded the DLR to go back to central London.