About The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde was launched in 1973 and is a full-size replica of the Golden Hind, an English galleon launched in 1577 and best known for her privateering circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580, captained by Sir Francis Drake. She celebrates her 50th Anniversary in 2023, with a programme of events and a Fundraising Appeal.
The original Golden Hinde was the first maritime museum and was on display in Deptford, London for almost 70 years before she was broken up. The replica was built in Appledore, Torridge, using traditional skills and has spent most of her life being on show to the public. Like the original ship, she has also circumnavigated the globe.
Conservation Project
In 2017, knowing that the necessity of a major conservation project was looming, a full survey was commissioned and the marine surveyor confirmed that the ship was a solid build and it would last well into the future, providing a rigorous routine of regular conservation work was adopted. To facilitate the work, the dock has been drained and a fully functioning wooden boatyard has been created beneath the ship.
The refit is now well underway with a team of seven skilled shipwrights at work. The plan is to replace "like for like", returning Golden Hinde to the condition when launched. This results in tasks taking longer and costing more, but with such a stout little ship displacing 300 tons, anything less would be an insult. They anticipate the refit taking a further two years and thereafter there will be an ongoing plan to conserve her into the future. The anticipated total cost is around £1.5million.
In addition to the refit, the team are preparing to build a new visitor centre in the dock. This will enable them to expand their educational activities and also to create a display of Drake artefacts.
Learning Programme
The team offer a range of school educational programmes including Living History experiences. Covering an array of topics from Drake's circumnavigation to the Spanish Armada, their 1-hour programmes and longer workshops explore the history of The Golden Hinde for KS1 - KS4. Find out more here.
Events Programme
The Golden Hinde hosts a busy and varied Events programme, including live music and cabaret, cocktail evenings and craft rum tasting, and an Escape Room experience - you can even sleep on the ship with their amazing night-time sleepover adventure, Night Voyage!
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