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    Cutty Sark Open daily 10am-6pm Last entry 5.15pm Adult: £18 | Child: £9 Members go free
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    National Maritime Museum Open daily 10am-5pm Last entry 4.15pm Free entry Booking recommended
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    Royal Observatory Open daily 10am-7pm Last entry 6pm Adult: £18 | Child: £9 Members go free
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    How to see the 12 August 2026 partial solar eclipse Learn more about the best solar eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland so far this century, when around 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon
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Blog post
Mathematics, navigation and empire: reassessing John Dee’s legacy
John Dee (1527-1609) was a philosopher and scholar whose work during the Tudor period has been overshadowed by his alleged sorcerous and occultist activities. He is best known for having conversations with angels through his scryer Edward Kelley's interests in astrology, alchemy, calendar reform and suggesting the date for Queen Elizabeth's coronation. What John Dee may not be as well known for is his influence on English navigation and being the first person to coin the term 'British Empire'.
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This Privacy Notice explains how we - Royal Museums Greenwich - use any personal information you give us and that we collect about you when you use our services and website. 
Story topic
Henrietta Maria
Wife to King Charles I and Queen consort of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henrietta Maria was a patron of the arts who oversaw Inigo Jones's completion of the Queen's House in 1635
Donate an item to our collections
Gifts of items from generous individuals enable us to enrich and grow our historic collections
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English Heritage members: discounted tickets at Royal Museums Greenwich
Enjoy discounted entry to Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory
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Download our digital maps to help find your way around all our museum sites
Story topic
How long is a day on Mars?
Find out how we measure time on the Red Planet, and what to expect in a Martian calendar year
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What was the Grand Tour?
Find out about the travel phenomenon that became popular amongst the young nobility of England
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How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?
What happens during Chinese New Year? The Newham Chinese Association explain some of the traditions, festivals and customs that take place when Chinese New Year is celebrated
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