National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool facts for kids

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) is an exciting place to visit in Hartlepool, Northern England. It's like stepping back in time to an 18th-century seaport, when famous people like Lord Nelson and Napoleon were around. You can learn all about the Royal Navy and life at sea!

At the heart of the museum is HMS Trincomalee. She is a real frigate, which is a type of warship. She's also Britain's oldest warship still floating! She was built in India in 1817, making her over 200 years old.

History of the Museum

The museum first opened its doors in July 1994. Back then, it was known as Hartlepool Historic Quay. It was built to help bring new life to old industrial areas in Cleveland. These areas used to be busy with shipbuilding and timber yards.

From 2005 to 2016, the museum was called Hartlepool's Maritime Experience. In June 2016, the National Museum of the Royal Navy took over running the site. That's when it became known as NMRN Hartlepool.

What You Can Explore

There's so much to see and do at the museum! You can visit a gift shop and a reception area. There are also recreated Marine Barracks and a Guard Room. You can even explore period shops and houses, making you feel like you're truly in the past.

Interactive Exhibits

• Fighting Ships: This is an audio and visual tour that makes you feel like you're on a warship. It was updated in 2006/2007 and now features a character named Jim Henshaw, a young powder monkey.
• Pressganged: Learn about how sailors were sometimes forced to join the navy.
• Skittle Square: Have some fun with a game of skittles!
• Children's Playship: Kids can enjoy playing on a special ship designed just for them.
• Children's Maritime Adventure Centre: This area was updated and redesigned to offer even more fun maritime adventures.

Ships to Discover

• HMS Trincomalee: You can go aboard this incredible historic warship. There's also a special exhibition about her and a viewing balcony where you can look out over the ship.
• PS Wingfield Castle: This old paddle steamer is also preserved at the museum. She's a floating exhibit and even has a cafe inside! Her restoration was completed as part of the site improvements.

Museum of Hartlepool

The Museum of Hartlepool is also part of the site. It has hundreds of other exhibits that show the town's history. You can learn about Hartlepool from ancient times right up to today.

• Hartlepool Monkey Legend: One of the most popular stories is about the famous Hartlepool monkey legend.
• Historic Boats: See a full-size coble boat, which is a type of fishing boat.
• Local History: Discover a lighthouse exhibit and even a shell from the Bombardment of Hartlepool.
• Ship Models: Look at many different ship models and engine displays.

Hartlepool Historical Quay.

HMS Trincomalee.