Fighting Ships

This unique experience uses technology and special effects to take you back in time to visit the fighting frigate HMS Prosperity in the year 1800.

Your guide is Jim Henshaw, a young powder monkey who tells us the fascinating tale of his life on board ship. He will lead you between the ship's decks to show you where the crew work, eat, relax... and in some cases, die.

The captain and his officers enjoy a fine meal and choice of wines in spacious cabins. Below, in their cramped quarters, his crew share weevil-infested biscuits and "grog" in the company of rats.

Jim describes the harsh conditions including discipline on board and we see a wounded sailor after a flogging with a "cat-o-nine tails". Behind him, a seaman awaits burial at sea, sewn in his own hammock with the last stitch through his nose to make sure he's really dead.

This audio / visual display ends with a dramatic sea battle. Will the Prosperity and her men survive, or will 'Davy Jones' claim them?

The Fighting Ships show takes places regularly throughout the day.

Pictured: Actor Martin Ware, who is the voice of Jim, came to Hartlepool to help promote Fighting Ships.