Essential Information
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National Maritime Museum
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| Price | Free |
At first glance it may seem strange to see a French customs officer’s uniform on display in the National Maritime Museum.
Unlike the coat worn by Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, this uniform is not part of a great naval conflict. The name of its wearer won’t be known to you.
But these clothes still have a dramatic tale to tell.
In 1809 a young Royal Navy midshipman called Charles Hare was being held as a prisoner of war in Napoleonic France. For weeks he had been preparing his escape; on 12 August his plan swung into action.
This uniform would be his disguise.
More than 200 years later, the uniform – and Hare’s written account of his ordeal – are part of Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection. See it for yourself in the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery, and discover the greatest escape you’ve never heard of.
The story of Charles Hare
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"Impersonating a French officer was regarded as espionage and was punishable by immediate execution. There’s a real, palpable sense of fear when he writes about his own escape. If he makes even one mistake, it could result in his death"
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"The uniform has survived for over 200 years before coming to us. It’s a privilege to work on it to ensure its survival for future generations"
See how the uniform was conserved
Plan your visit
Where can I see the uniform?
The Charles Hare uniform is on display in the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, located on the second floor.
Entry to the Museum is free: book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and receive updates before you visit.
Getting here
The National Maritime Museum is a quick, easy journey from central London via train, DLR and bus.
There is a secure car park at the National Maritime Museum which is open to visitors during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets.
Check our travel pages for more information about getting to the National Maritime Museum as well as other Royal Museums Greenwich sites.
Opening times
The National Maritime Museum is normally open daily from 10am-5pm.
Tours and audio guides
Nelson, Navy, Nation features as part of the range of audio guides available at the National Maritime Museum.
There are also daily guided tours of the Museum led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides - learn more here.
Make the most of your visit
Find more free galleries and attractions at the National Maritime Museum.
Can I find out more about Museum conservation?
Yes! The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, home to our state-of-the-art conservation studio and stores, hosts a number of public tours, events and educational programmes.
Here you can learn more about the conservation and storage teams who care for the collections.
Delve deeper
Support stories like this
Help conservators care for our collections and support future galleries, exhibitions and displays at Royal Museums Greenwich
This project was made possible by the generosity of the Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement, the Aurelius Trust, the Idlewild Trust, the Leslie Mary Carter Charitable Trust and the Radcliffe Trust.
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