National Museum Royal Navy - Hartlepool Marina

www.nmrn.org.uk/exhibitions-projects/nmrn-hartlepool

A fascinating journey through time, set in an authentically-created historic quayside of the 1800s.

Experience Fighting Ships, a powerful insight into the tough lives of sailors from around the time of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Learn how they were press ganged and see what life was like on board HMS Trincomalee. Feel the firepower of guns from the era, with live demonstrations and re-enactments taking place around the quayside.

HMS Trincomalee
Discover HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in the UK and the jewel in the historic quayside of Hartlepool. The majestic ship was one of Nelson’s frigates and built in Bombay, India in 1817, during the great ‘Age of Sail’. Explore her 46 guns, masts and rigging and move through the different decks and unique spaces to see how the hardy sailors of the day lived, from the plush Captain’s quarters to the rope-making store below deck. Don’t forget to grab your Trincomalee memento in the gift shop.

“Fantastic place, well worth a visit. Lots of interesting history about the Navy. It’s like you take a step back 
in time.” TripAdvisor Review

Historic Quyside
Step back two hundred years when you enter the quayside. Soak up the atmosphere of 19th century life as you make your way around the seaport and don’t miss the chance to explore the shops, carefully built with frontages of the time. From guns, swords and tailors to printers and instrument makers, learn about the different tradesmen, the lives they lived and how they contributed to the bustling quayside. Take time for some fun and games. Test your aim playing skittles in Skittle Square, which lies in the shadow of the ship.

Fighting Ships
Immerse yourself in the Fighting Ships experience and see the everyday drama of life on board HMS Prosperity around the year 1800 Make your way through the different parts of the ship, see how the crew prepared to do battle with the French and were thrown into the brutal and bloody realities of war. Discover the ranks of sailors and their duties throughout the ship, not leaving out any gruesome details! This innovative journey is guided and narrated by one of Prosperity’s young crew.
 
Live displays & Play areas
Experience what it’s like to be in the thick of the action with guns being fired into the sea right in front of your eyes. Young pirates and sailors can jump aboard the children’s playship for their own seafaring adventures and explore the Children’s Maritime Adventure Centre.

Museum of Hartlepool
See Hartlepool through the ages as history is brought alive in this newly-transformed museum, with artefacts and exhibitions focusing on key events over 5,000 years, which includes a poignant First World War poppy memorial.
Explore toys that are more than a century old, see Anglo-Saxon jewellery or even try on a medieval gown or Victorian jacket.

PSS Wingfield Castle
Relax in PSS Wingfield Castle, a restored paddle steamer and former passenger ferry which is berthed right next to HMS Trincomalee Take in the stunning views of the quayside and the rest of the harbour whilst on board. The ship is free to look around.

HMS Trincomalee Exhibition & Press Ganged
Visit the HMS Trincomalee Exhibition, situated just opposite the ship, and learn about her life and what makes her so special. Hear the story of two brothers who were forced into the Royal Navy in Press Ganged, a unique show in the ‘dry dock’ theatre.