The Lower hold was originally used for ballast (used to balance the ship) and storing cargo. It did not have a deck. 

Here you can find everything you need to know about the story of tea, including its production, the loading of the ships, the history of tea drinking and the famous tea races.

This is also a great place to look at Cutty Sark's construction and materials. As you enter the hold you will see copper-alloy sheathing on the hull, which protected the wood from ship’s worm and stopped barnacles growing on the hull to help it sail faster.

Download the audio guide

Tap the arrows below to explore all the interactive displays.

Tea on board Cutty Sark

Ship's manual

Lecture theatre

Little cupboard

Who's coming for tea?