Year 12 Maritime History Trip Posted: 28/03/25

Year 12 History Students Explore Maritime Heritage at Greenwich

On Friday 21 March our Year 12 History students embarked on an enriching educational trip to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. The day offered a deep dive into Britain's naval history and its global influence.

Journey Through London's Maritime Past

The adventure began with a journey on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), traversing the historic docks and wharfs that once bustled with the empire's trade. This route provided a tangible connection to the waterways that were vital to Britain's maritime supremacy.

Exploring the Cutty Sark

Upon arrival, students first explored the Cutty Sark, the world's last surviving tea clipper. This iconic ship, built in 1869, was renowned for its speed and played a significant role in the tea trade between China and Britain. Visitors can board the ship and experience what life was like for the sailors who manned her.

Immersive Museum Experience

The group then proceeded to the National Maritime Museum, home to the world's largest maritime collection. The museum's galleries chronicle Britain's rich naval history, from the age of exploration to the height of the British Empire.

The day was structured as follows:

• Introduction and Lecture: Students received an overview of the museum's vast collections, followed by a lecture on cartography and empire. The focus was on the voyage of the Beagle and the mapping of Tierra del Fuego - a region that, while not formally part of the empire, exemplifies aspects of Britain's informal influence in Latin America.
• Split Sessions:
  • Museum Exploration: One group delved into the 'Traders' gallery, examining the history of the East India Company and the Atlantic Worlds gallery, which addresses the complex legacy of the slave trade.
  • Document Handling: The other group participated in a hands-on session, analysing early explorers' accounts and artefacts such as silk, cotton, spices, tea, and an opium pipe. This activity provided insights into the commodities that fuelled empire-building and their global impact.

Below you can read what some of our students found helpful and interesting on the day:

The trip was incredibly engaging, with the practical applications of documentation being presented through a hands on exercise - my favourite part of the trip.  Megan G - 12 Ludgate

The trip was thoroughly informative and really opened up my mind to aspects of the Empire that we do not focus on in our course, such as the slave trade. The identification band and key put the livelihood of the slaves in perspective and was emotional to read about.  Natalie C - 12 Walbrook

The interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, which make the museum engaging for visitors of all ages. 10/10 highly recommended. Taylor B - 12 Ludgate

The trip was extremely informative as it gave me a new insight into the workings of empire. Being able to visit the different exhibitions, such as the imperial section, gave me useful information that I would not necessarily had the opportunity to find out otherwise, which has broadened my knowledge.  Lydia D - 12 Holborn