The Golden Hinde II is a replica of the ship that Sir Francis Drake sailed when he went around the world 15677-1580. As a reward for his accomplishment, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I.
This is a replica because the original was not well cared for. There is a chair in The Bodeian Library in Oxford that is made from its remains. Another piece is a table that is in Middle Temple in London. I find it interesting that it was an American that had the idea to build what you see today. He built this in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of when Drake landed in America in 1979. The fee to go on here is not overly expensive and children are free. When we went there was a fun day with pirates for children. Walking around the ship gives, you an idea of the quarters they lived in back at that time. It is a great place to bring children because they can climb and touch things. But watch your head, I banged mine! |
The Anchor is the oldest pub on the Southbank. We like to eat there when we go to London. It has great views and it has the traditional pub character I love.
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HMS Belfast is a World War 2 warship. It has also seen action in the Korean War. It took part in the Normandy landings and helped destroy the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst.
They have great displays so that you can get an idea of what life was like on this vessel. The displays are a bit dressed up for an art exhibition so it is not always this way! It is a great for families but because its a ship expect a lot of climbing up and down ladders! |