Heyday of Sail
Covering such renowned arenas of battle as Trafalgar, this display highlights a wealth of social, historical and military delights
A time of profound change and conflict, this display highlights how the Marines evolved and developed to deal with the international demands placed on them, by exploration, war and the Empire.
See for yourself how the Marines were involved in such arenas as exploration with Captain Cook, the War of Independence in America and colonisation in Australia. Find out more about the Brown Bess, the Marines musket of choice, and enjoy our interactive flintlock pistol display - if you can bear the bang!
Find out about Hannah Snell, a woman who successfully passed as a man, and as a member of the Marines in the mid 18th century. Let her talk to you from the luxury of her tavern bar, and describe her fascinating past.
Learn about mutiny, homesickness and the personal demands placed on the the Marines, and find out how they integrated into the navy of Lord Nelson's era.
Find out how the Marines became the Royal Marines in 1802, and find out more about the Royal Marines involvement in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.
See a wealth of exhibits, such as diary entries and maps drawn by Royal Marines fighting at Trafalgar, and the pistol of the Royal Marines Captain Charles Adair, who died during the battle. Discover the impact of the battle on the British nation and beyond...