Exhibition dates: 8 May–29 October 2010

Location: Micro-gallery, Level G, National Maritime Museum (download the floor plan)

Admission: Free, open daily 10.00–17.00

For centuries ships and boats have enabled us to explore the oceans and earn our living from the sea. They have also played important roles in times of conflict. This exhibition features six vessels filmed for a BBC Four television series about maritime Britain. Each tells a particular story about Britain’s relationship with the sea.

Many historic craft are now preserved in museums and are too fragile or unique to be used on the water. Those selected for the series were chosen because they could go to sea and help us understand life afloat.

This exhibition coincides with Sea Fever – a major new season on BBC Four which includes Boats that Built Britain. The season looks at the crucial ways in which the sea has helped to shape modern Britain, focusing on maritime history, culture, economics and science. It starts at the beginning of May 2010 and will also available on BBC iPlayer.

In the UK today, there are over 1000 historic ships in the UK today on the National Register of Historic Vessels. Two of the vessels in this exhibition – Reaper and Cariad – are on the Register, which is managed by National Historic Ships, a government-funded advisory body, and the official voice for UK historic vessels. 

As this exhibition demonstrates, these craft are an important part of Britain’s maritime past, telling the story of communities and individuals whose lives were integrally linked with the sea. National Historic Ships works to ensure that the most significant vessels are preserved, keeping their history alive for future generations.