A weekend of living history as the Old Royal Naval College is overrun with pirates!

About

A weekend of living history as the Old Royal Naval College is overrun with pirates! This event is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Spend the day with our crew and discover life during the ‘Golden Age of Piracy,’ the period between 1650 and 1720 when more than 5,000 pirates were said to have sailed the seas.

Learn to separate pirate fact from fiction, enjoy songs of the sea, witness small sword and cutlass fights, and hear the tale of a real 18th-century mutiny.

The day culminates with a bang as we demonstrate the firepower of pirates and marines in the arena on the lawns overlooking the River Thames.

In between, you can wander amongst the encampment and get a unique insight into the clothes and weapons of the early 18th century. Listen to live musicians play music of the time, and sample authentic food from the Taste of History period kitchen. Engage with the various activities or simply enjoy the atmosphere – the choice is yours!

Programme: 

11:00am: Welcome – Live period music from Green Matthews
11:30am: Know Your Enemy – Busting Pirate Myths and Tropes
12:30pm: Mutiny on the Bounty – Tells the Tale of a desperate act of mutiny in the 18th century
1:30pm: Sword demonstration – An introduction to eighteenth-century swords with a demonstration of sword fighting
2:30pm: Songs of the Sea – Live period music from Green Matthews
3:00pm: Firepower demonstration – Firepower of pirates and marines
3:30pm: Farewell – Live period music from Green Matthews
11:00am-4:00pm: Living History encampment – Throughout the day on Lower Grand Square, featuring an 18th Century sailmaker, ropemaker, period kitchen and an array of fascinating characters from the period.

NOTE: The event has displays that include loud, controlled explosions.

Live reenactment from Time Capsule Education

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Admission to Outdoor Events£13.50 per ticket
Adult (wz Admission to Outdoor Events including Entrance to the Painted Hall)£20.00 per ticket
Child (wz Admission to Outdoor Events including Entrance to the Painted Hall)£13.50 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Book Tickets Online

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Advance booking essential
  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Children

  • Children welcome

Map & Directions

Golden Age of Piracy

Type:Family Event

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN
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Tel+44 (0)20 8269 4799

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Awards

  • Other AwardsVisit Greenwich Partner Visit Greenwich Partner 2021

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