‘Pirates: Fact and Fiction’ Opens at the Museum of Somerset

AVAST me hearties, The Museum of Somerset’s summer exhibition, Pirates: Fact and Fiction opens on Saturday, July 9.

This is your chance to find out everything about these legendary highwaymen of the sea, but were too afraid to ask.

You'll meet Vikings, Barbary corsairs and Chinese pirates, see model ships and weapons. The exhibition includes spectacular costumes from film and literature, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan and Spartacus.

The museum will also tell the story of Somerset’s own buccaneer, William Dampier, who was born in West Coker in 1651. Although he served for a time in the navy, Dampier’s career was mainly spent as a buccaneer targeting Spanish ships and settlements along the Pacific coast of South America and Mexico.

On Saturday, the Pirate Play Deck will be opened, offering activities for children throughout the summer holidays. Children will be able to dress up in pirate costumes, walk the plank, make treasures maps, and more.

Visitor Services Manager Susie Simmons said: “The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through pirate history, film and literature. With the Pirate Play Deck opening, and a fun treasure trail around the museum, families can enjoy a swashbuckling day out during the summer holidays.”

The exhibition runs from 9 July to 1 October (open Tuesday to Saturday) with the Pirate Play Deck open during school holidays and on Saturdays. In addition, the museum will be open on a Monday from 18 July to 29 August. There will be a small admission charge of £2 per person for the exhibition (aged 3 and under go free) and £2 per child for the Pirate Play Deck (aimed at ages 3 to 11.)