Discover Our Stories
Explore a virtual tour of the Painted Hall, learn to draw with children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood, and hear more about our fascinating exhibition that explores the lives of Black Greenwich Pensioners.
Learn With Us
Myths and Masks
This KS2 session and accompanying resources links directly to both the study of Ancient Greeks in History and Myths and Legends in Literacy. It also links to writing-composition in English and skills practice in art and design.
Where in the World?
This KS2 black history session and accompanying resources links directly to the study of local history in History. It also links to writing-composition in English and geographical skills in Geography.
Learn To Draw With Nick Ellwood
We’re bringing art classes into your living room! Get your pens and paper and join Nick Ellwood for a series of drawing sessions themed around our site and heritage.
Click here for children’s drawing tutorials and downloadable activity sheets.
Black Greenwich Pensioners Podcast
This series of podcasts explores themes and highlights from our exhibition Black Greenwich Pensioners. In each episode, Claire Kirk (Head of Learning, Interpretation and Collections at the Old Royal Naval College), speaks to maritime historian and Black history expert, S.I. Martin, who curated the exhibition. Conversations delve into the research behind the display and what this research tells us about the lives of Black mariners in London during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Poetry Readings
As part of the Black Greenwich Pensioners exhibition, two local poets were commissioned to write pieces relating to their own links to the area and its history. You can see the poets performing their work below.
Virtual Tour of the Painted Hall
Our free 360 degree virtual tour allows an interactive and up-close exploration of this magnificent Baroque masterpiece from the comfort of your own home.
Pan around and zoom in to marvel at the details in ultra-high resolution and discover the stories behind the art.
Online Jigsaws
Take a break with our online jigsaw puzzles, and piece together some beautiful shots of our grounds. We’ll be adding a new one every week, so make sure to keep an eye on our social media channels.
Dig deeper into Our Story
Greenwich Palace
From 1498–1694, the site was home to Greenwich Palace, birthplace of Henry VIII and his daughters.
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Shortly before her death in 1694, Queen Mary II commissioned the construction of a new charitable institution for the care of retired men who had served in the Royal Navy.
Find out moreRoyal Naval College
1873 the Naval College in Portsmouth acquired the buildings of the old Royal Hospital for Seamen and the Royal Naval College was born.
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