Backpackers Guide to London
Cutty Sark
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Experience the lives of 19th century seamen and come on deck the world’s only surviving tea and wool clipper—the Cutty Sark! This fast merchant sailing ship was given a name that would become renowned throughout the seafaring world and would win a place in the hearts of the British sailors. The Cutty Sark’s name was taken from the poem “Tam O’Shanter” by Robert Burns. Described in the poem was a witch wearing only a cutty sark, the corrupted French word “courte chemise” or a short skirt. The figurehead on the prow is dressed in the similar fashion. The Cutty Sark was a tea carrier commanded by John “White Hat” Wills in 1869. He ambitiously wanted the Cutty Sark to be the fastest ship at the annual clippers’ race to bring home the freshest tea from Shanghai to London. He achieved this remarkable feat in 1871 with a best time of 107 days. In spite of this, the opening of the Suez Canal and the onslaught of steam power, the usefulness of sea vessels began to decline rapidly. The Cutty Sark made its last voyage in 1938 and was put on display back in its hometown in 1957. A little less than three centuries since her launch, the Cutty Sark has long outlived the typical 30-year life expectancy of a wood clipper. The Cutty Sark is still a beautiful boat, though it has retired from sea voyage and has taken a different role as a tourist destination. Visitors can explore the feature well-restored decks and experience how the 28 merchant seafarers worked, lived, ate, and slept in cramped accommodations (a far cry from the fine and comfortable accommodations in modern luxury ships). It also has archive videos of life at sea during the 1920s and 1930s. There is also an exhibit showing the history and route of the Pacific trade, as well as a collection of figureheads from ships of the world. An interesting destination for visitors, the Cutty Sark is open all year round from 10.00-17.00 except on Christmas.
Introduction
History
Interesting Features
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
