Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Wednesday 14 August 2024 | 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Prices Free for Members – sold out

Member exclusive. Not a member? Join now

Sold out Join today
Sold out

This event has now sold out. You can see more Member events here.

Everyone knows the popular image of pirates, and the most famous figures like Blackbeard. Yet they are only part of the fascinating history of piracy.

Historian and author Dr Richard Blakemore will reveal the lesser-told tales of those who sailed and plundered on the high seas. Discover the stories of people such as the Miskito man called ‘Will’ who survived for years alone on the Juan Fernández Islands; Abraham Samuel, who escaped slavery in the Caribbean and became a king in Madagascar; and the four musicians captured by Bartholomew Roberts and forced to play for the pirates’ amusement.

This talk will show you a side of piracy you have never seen before.

About the author

Dr Richard Blakemore has studied pirates for over a decade, from his Cambridge PhD to his role as Associate Professor in Social and Maritime History at the University of Reading, where he teaches the most popular module, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Empire, Slavery, and Society, 1550-1750’.

He has been a consultant for the National Maritime Museum; appeared on local and national BBC radio; on Channel 5’s Great British Ships; produced two series of podcasts; and written for blogs and magazines such as History Today.

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £50, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!

Accessibility at Cutty Sark events

For safety reasons, wheelchair access spaces for Cutty Sark are limited to three visitors per event. Cutty Sark is wheelchair accessible with lifts providing access to all levels of the ship. Some areas of the Main Deck are not wheelchair accessible, but virtual access is provided to these spaces. 

The original ship structure restricts the size of the lift on board, but mobility scooters can be accommodated on board providing they fit in our lifts. Measurements for the lifts are included in the Cutty Sark access statement. No e-scooters or e-bikes are permitted on board as per our visitor regulations.

Companion tickets are available for any guest who would be unable to visit independently, please select this alongside a paid ticket. 

If you are a wheelchair user or have any other queries regarding accessibility at this event, please contact membership@rmg.co.uk prior to purchasing your ticket.

What’s On

New Members' Tour
Talks and tours | Member events

New Members' Tour

Embark on a voyage of discovery around the Museum in the company of one of our volunteer guides
Various dates | 11am - 12pm
Free for Members | Booking essential
In Greenwich
James Webb Space Telescope: three years on
Talks and tours | Member events

James Webb Space Telescope: three years on

Join us for an online Members lecture to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope three years after its launch with a Royal Observatory astronomer
Thursday 30 January 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Members' crafting
Family fun | Member events

Members' crafting

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members.
Every other month | 11am-11.45am, 12.15pm-1pm, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.45pm-3.30pm
Free for Family Members – booking required
In Greenwich
Ends of the Earth
Talks and tours | Member events

Ends of the Earth

Hear from author Neil Shubin about the polar regions and how they may shape life on Earth far more than we realise.
Thursday 13 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Titanic Legacy: The Captain, The Daughter and The Spy
Talks and tours | Member events

Titanic Legacy: The Captain, The Daughter and The Spy

Join author Dan E. Parkes as he discusses the untold story of Titanic Captain E.J. Smith and his only daughter Mel.
Wednesday 26 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Queen's House