Talks & Presentations

12th March 2026: HMS Victory’s Conservation Talk by Simon Williams Project Manager

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is undertaking an ambitious 10-year conservation project to ensure Admiral Lord Nelson’s iconic flagship, HMS Victory, survives for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Project Manager Simon Williams will take you through project aims, the approaches to conservation, the challenges his team have faced and the fascinating discoveries of this once in a generation project.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bhst/t-ldnrjyy

The talk will last just over and hour and there will be an opportunity for Q and A afterwards

Presentation to be held in the Master Builder’s House Hotel in the River View Room, doors open 1800, talk starts 1830 prompt. Water available in the room, but bar available in the hotel. Please book with the hotel if dinner is required – for reservations in Henry’s Pub (open all day, last orders for dinner 9pm) call the hotel direct.

9th April – Talk by Sarah Liscoe – The Historical sailmaker

Sarah began her Sailmaking on the South Coast of England with a traditional sailmaker who had provided for Portsmouth Dockyard for centuries. Through this early understanding of the traditional skills of sailmaking and repairing, came a love of the history of where her craft had come from and where it was going. 

The decline of traditional boats, and therefore traditional sails and the crafting of them, was a worry to her and so she began to attend Reenactment Shows as a living history interpreter as a way to showcase her craft.

What were sails used for?

Why did sail shape change over the years? How did dockyards make so many sails? 

How did sailcloth shape the flax production in Yeovil ? Who were the sailmakers ?

Where is the craft going now?

The talk will have some interaction from the audience and there will be tools and historically made sails on display for people to have a closer look and discuss.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bhst/t-vxvrogl

Presentation to be held in the Master Builder’s House Hotel in the River View Room, doors open 1800, talk starts 1830 prompt. Water available in the room, but bar available in the hotel. Please book with the hotel if dinner is required – for reservations in Henry’s Pub (open all day, last orders for dinner 9pm) call the hotel direct