Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Thursday 13 March 2025 | 2pm-3.30pm
Prices Free for Members

This is the story of Charles Hare and his audacious escape from a fortress in France, after six years as a prisoner of war. 

Hare was a midshipman in the Royal Navy who had been captured by the French in 1803 at the age of just 13.

He escaped by impersonating an officer in the Douanes, the French customs service. Remarkably, the uniform that he wore as a disguise survives and has recently entered the collection of Royal Museums Greenwich, along with a copy of Hare’s autobiographical account of his adventures, made by his son, George, in 1832.

Having undergone extensive conservation, the uniform is on display in the National Maritime Museum’s ‘Nelson, Navy, Nation’ gallery

In this exclusive talk for Members, curator Dr Katherine Gazzard will tell the deeply personal and unique story of Hare, tracking his dangerous journey across Europe. 

Using detailed photography and a range of complementary objects, she will examine the materials and insignia of the uniform, and trace the history of the Douanes from their foundation in the French Revolution to their role as an imperial directorate under Napoleon. 

Meet the speaker

Dr Katherine Gazzard is Curator of Art (Post-1800) at Royal Museums Greenwich. She is the author of The Art of Naval Portraiture (2024, Royal Museums Greenwich) and has taught courses on art history and museum studies for the University of East Anglia and Yale University. Her research focuses on eighteenth-century British art and the cultural history of the Royal Navy.

What’s On

See more Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Talks and tours | Member events

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
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
Family fun | Member events

Members' Family Storytelling: Polly Plum, Brave Adventurer

Join author Jonathan Sellars as we delve into the story of Polly Plum, Brave Adventurer
Tuesday 28 October 2025 l 10.30am-11.00am, 11.15am-11.45am (SOLD OUT)
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' Lecture: The Battle of the Arctic

Join historian and author Hugh Sebag-Montefiore as he discovers forgotten heroes of the Arctic convoys
Thursday 13 November 2025 | 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Delve Deeper tours: free tickets for Members

We're lucky to have secured a small number of tickets for our Delve Deeper tours at the Prince Philip Maritime Collection Centre, just for Members
Thursday 13 November | 7pm-8.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Free for Members
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' Lecture: Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic

Hear authors Mia Bennett and Klaus Dodds' vital account of the state of the Arctic today, the dangers of climate change and geopolitical competition
Wednesday 19 November 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Flamsteed Lecture: The Fermi Paradox - Where are the Aliens?

A Flamsteed Astronomy Society lecture with Professor Ian Crawford
Monday 24 November 2025 | Doors open at 6.30pm, event starts at 7.15pm
Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12
National Maritime Museum
Experiences | Member events

Members' Experience: A Beginner’s Guide to Observing

Come along and begin your journey to observing the night sky on the historic Queen's House lawns
Wednesday 26 November 2025, Wednesday 21 January & Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 6.30pm-9pm
Free | Members only
Queen's House
Events and festivals | Member events

Members Christmas Party

Get in the festive spirit with us at this party exclusively for Members!
Tuesday 9 December 2025 | 6.30pm-8.30pm l SOLD OUT
Free | Members only
Cutty Sark