THE GOLD STANDARD
Best of British|June 2023
Simon Stabler climbs on board the Golden Hinde, a much-travelled replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon
Simon Stabler
THE GOLD STANDARD

The area around London Bridge station has changed dramatically over the past decade or so with the arrival of skyscrapers such as The Shard, and the More London retail and restaurant complex. Even the station has undergone a radical transformation, although that has made getting around a lot easier.

There are still plenty of historic buildings around though, such as Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market and Pickfords Wharf – the Victorian warehouse complex which was rebuilt to accommodate apartments, coffee shops and a pub. Adjacent to Pickfords Wharf is St Mary Overie Dock, which since 1996 has been home to the Golden Hinde, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon the Golden Hind.

Built to mark the 400th anniversary of Drake’s circumnavigation, construction on the Golden Hinde began in September 1971, at J Hinks & Son shipyard in Appledore, Devon. Constructed using traditional methods and materials, the Golden Hinde was launched on 5 April 1973 and, after fitting out and sea-trials, set off on her maiden voyage from Plymouth to San Francisco Bay on 29 September 1974.

Skippered by Captain Adrian Small, who had been a second mate on the Mayflower II which had sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1957 (see Voyage of the Pilgrims, March 2020 issue), the crew of around 20 included Christopher Daniel, an expert on Tudor navigation instruments, on sabbatical from the National Maritime Museum.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Best of British.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Best of British.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE BEST OF BRITISHVer todo
Animal Magic
Best of British

Animal Magic

Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
Best of British

BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER

BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024
Marvels in Miniature
Best of British

Marvels in Miniature

Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024
The Last Post
Best of British

The Last Post

Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024
The Box of Delights
Best of British

The Box of Delights

Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Best of British

The Queen of Stage and Screen

Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024
Other 07
Best of British

Other 07

Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024
In the Best Possible Taste
Best of British

In the Best Possible Taste

Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett

time-read
6 minutos  |
December 2024
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Best of British

POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024
MERCY MISSION
Best of British

MERCY MISSION

John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2024