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Summer Sorted - History Trail Launch
If These Walls Could Talk: History Trail Launch
Join us for the launch of our History Trail as part of the Royal William Yard 200 Celebrations.
Plymouth's Royal William Yard is inviting visitors to step into the past with the launch of its new History Trail this Saturday as the popular destination becomes a free open-air museum, where visitors can explore two centuries of remarkable history. The unveiling of the trail will be marked by a day of celebrations and heritage crafts with a twist.
The free, self-guided, interactive discovery trail will connect visitors to a wealth of fascinating facts, images and audio. It will take guests of all ages on a journey through the archives, sharing plans, pictures and stories that bring 200 years of remarkable history alive in a unique way.
A journey through time
Visitors can pick up a map from The Green on Saturday from 10am-3pm and explore the hidden histories around the Yard. The History Trail showcases everything from drawings by engineering legend Sir John Rennie, to historical insights uncovered during the Yard's restoration and little-know discoveries.
A map guides visitors round each of the 11 numbered stops, where they will find History Trail plaques on the walls of designated buildings, each with a unique QR code that unlocks captivating stories and first-hand accounts. The trail includes recordings of oral histories from people who worked on and at the Yard over the years – putting visitors in their shoes, as they stand in the same spot.
The trail opens on Saturday 9th August and then stays open all day, every day, indefinitely.
Activities
Located in the Arcade, Brewhouse Building
- Clay Tile Making with Tweeny from Ocean Studio’s pottery – explore the amazing architecture of the Yard through clay, with the opportunity to recreate the iconic landscape through creating relief tiles (sessions at 10am, 11:30am, and 2pm – booking required. Tickets can be booked at: https://buytickets.at/royalwilliamyard/1803026)
- Stitch & Celebrate with Lizzy from Make Fabric Boutique and Abbi from Mukta-Undone – join a stitching session to decorate a traditional wool military garment using upcycled fabrics and creative embellishments. The garment will reflect themes of sustainability, community, and "make do and mend". There will be 30-minute creative sewing slots (first-come, first-served if busy) open to all skill levels.
- Ships Biscuit Making is a free activity for children of all ages creating authentic ships biscuits, just like those produced in the Yard's massive bakery 200 years ago. While these historic treats were once notorious for being infested with insects, assured that all biscuits made this weekend will be bug-free! (sessions at 11.30am and 12.45pm – booking advised as places are limited. Booking is free at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/royalwilliamyard/1802780)
- Pop-up Stands located in the new retail/leisure space, plus pop-up portraits
- History Trail Launch - Leaflet Location
- Additional launch day attractions hark back to the Yard’s Naval past, with a rum tasting and rum cocktails (including non-alcoholic rum) at The Hook & Line pop-up on The Green
Around the Yard
- Discount on microbrewery Steel Brew’s beer taster boards
