About The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde was launched in 1973 and is a full-size reconstruction 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 celebrated her 50th Anniversary in 2023 and next year is looking forward to marking 30 years since arriving at her current home in St Mary Overie Dock in 1996.
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 reconstruction was built in Appledore, Devon, 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.
Refit Project
A major refit of The Golden Hinde began on 13th March 2017 in her current home at St Mary Overie Dock, in the heart of London. To facilitate the work, the dock was drained and a fully functioning wooden shipyard created beneath the ship. Originally projected to take two years, the project has extended significantly due to the complexity of the work, unforeseen challenges, and a commitment to maintaining public access throughout. As of May 2025, the refit has been underway for over seven years.
The project began with re-planking on the port side, but plans were swiftly reshaped by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the ship temporarily closed to the public, the team took the opportunity to focus on the most disruptive and structurally demanding elements of the refit. These included the removal of 60 tons of internal ballast, full replacement of the main and half decks, and a comprehensive rebuild of the interior. New systems were installed throughout, including ventilation, electrics, and plumbing, alongside purpose-built furniture, display chests, and amenities to support private hire events.
Following the ship’s reopening, attention turned to the rig. The entire rig was refitted, including the construction of a new bowsprit, fore course yard, main course yard, mizzen mast, two fighting tops, and three mast caps. Both running and standing rigging were replaced or serviced, and 52 deadeyes were handcrafted to complete the setup.
More recently, the foredeck was replaced, and the team is currently focused on caulking the hull, fitting new gun ports, replacing the final poop deck as well as maintaining completed areas of the ship. Preparations are also underway to begin work on the starboard side. Once this phase is completed, further work will include rebuilding the forward tumblehome, beakhead, stem, rudder, tiller, and whipstaff.
To date, over 100 tons of timber - including English Oak, Iroko, Ash, and Elm - have been brought into the dock. The largest single tree used weighed around 25 tons. Many materials are custom-made, such as hand-forged rivets and boat nails, and while some specialist work (such as rigging) is commissioned externally, the majority of the refit is carried out by a small in-house team of shipwrights.
This refit represents a significant and unusual undertaking, particularly given its location in central London and the ship’s continued operation as a visitor attraction and event venue. The team has adapted by adopting a modular approach to the work, rather than the traditional method of building from the keel up. This strategy ensures the ship remains open and accessible while repairs continue - a logistical challenge requiring careful long-term planning.
Completion is currently estimated to be at least four years away, dependent on future funding (with an anticipated total cost of around £4 million). The work being carried out is essential, both in extending the life of the ship and in preserving the legacy and rich maritime history of The Golden Hinde for generations to come.
Learning
From Early Years to KS4, The Golden Hinde offers exciting and engaging educational programmes for all ages which are designed to complement the National Curriculum.
Our offerings include one-hour sessions on pirates, the story of Drake’s circumnavigation and the Spanish Armada.
We also offer an immersive learning experience for students as a three-hour Daytime Living History experience, or our ever-popular Overnight Living History programme where students bunk-down on the ship to learn first-hand how sailors would have lived in the Tudor period.
We believe that hands-on activities like firing the cannon and raising the anchor help pupils get the most of their visit and make it a trip to remember.
Events
From live music and theatre to historic talks, rum tastings, and an Escape Room experience, The Golden Hinde offers a vibrant year-round programme of events and activities - with the unique chance to explore the ship after hours. For an unforgettable adventure, you can even spend the night on board with our exciting sleepover experience, the Public Night Voyage!
Find out more:
Follow them on social media:
