Maritime London

So the last few weeks have been very maritime based. I had no idea of the link between London and the river before getting involved with the Thames Discovery Programme. As I get to know London I'm discovering just how important this water way is.

Museum of London Docklands

 The Docklands Museum - http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands/ 

The first museum I visited was the Docklands Museum. It lies close to Canary Wharf in a really interesting area, somewhere I wouldn't usually visit. As it's not central it's a quieter museum, making it very pleasant to visit. The museum covers all periods of occupation around the Thames, with recreated streets to walk through and galleries focusing on subjects such as trade and slavery. I was really moved with the history of slavery, something I didn't know much about, and I found it really shocking. There's a lot to take in at the museum, and I definitely feel I could do with visiting a second time. 

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum - http://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum/ 

The National Maritime museum in Greenwich was the second museum I visited. It had similar themes to the Docklands museum, and had galleries focusing on trade, exploration and slavery. The part I found the most interesting was the gallery about the search for the North-West passage, and Franklin's lost expedition. Fascinating but really sad. Another area I enjoyed was the mini models of ships, the models were so detailed and finely made. 

Last but not least is the kangaroo painted by George Stubbs. Stubbs painted the kangaroo from drawings made on Captain Cook's voyage to Australia, and also from an inflated kangaroo skin. The museum is trying to raise the money to buy the painting, and keep it in the country as it plays an important part of our history of exploration and discovery of new species. I should also mention the painting he created of a dingo, which they are also trying to buy - the kangaroo seems to get more press! 

Again I definitely feel I could do with visiting a second time, as I'm sure there were areas I missed, or could do with viewing again. 

Both museums I found really fascinating but quite overwhelming, as it's a side to London I really hadn't considered before. I'm really enjoying learning about the Thames, and it's importance in creating the city.