Uniforms
Uniforms online
A number of uniforms are available on Collections Online as a result of our ongoing digitization programme. See the uniforms in Collections Online.
The National Maritime Museum collection includes uniforms worn and owned by the famous including Admiral Nelson, Edward VII, 1st Earl Beatty and Admiral John Arbuthnot Fisher. The collection of over 7000 items contains non-uniform garments and wigs such as that of Admiral Cornwallis. The oldest uniforms are of the first pattern, introduced in 1748. Another
item of particular interest is a Captain’s full dress coat of the 1774 pattern as worn by Captain James Cook in the famous portrait painted by Nathaniel Dance between 1775 and 1776.
Later items
Later naval uniforms include those of the reserves and attached forces, also of the Women's Royal Naval Service founded in 1917.
Merchant service uniforms
The majority of the merchant uniforms date from the 20th century including both the standard uniform introduced in 1918 and material relating to particular shipping lines.
The merchant uniforms include a small number of those of the Honourable East India Company, which held a monopoly of trade with the East from 1600 until the early 19th century and whose ships were known as Indiamen.
Thames Watermen's uniforms can also be seen in the collection.
Uniforms and rank
Examples of naval ratings' uniforms go back to its introduction in 1857.
The Museum has the sailor suit made for Edward VII as Prince of Wales in 1846. It is based on the dress of the crew of the royal yacht, and is similar to that of other ratings.
Although there was no official uniform for naval ratings until 1857, naval captains tried to keep their ship's companies looking similar and smart.
Some of the collection had famous owners
-
An undress coat worn by Vice Admiral Lord Nelson (1758-1805) at Trafalgar - A tunic worn by Admiral of the Fleet John Arbuthnot Fisher (1841-1920)
- A pair of full dress trousers worn by Admiral of the Fleet John Rushworth Jellicoe (1859-1935)
- A cocked hat worn by Admiral of the Fleet Sir David, 1st Earl Beatty (1871-1936)
- A great coat worn by Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Henry Dacres Cunningham (1885-1936)
Where else to look
Several uniforms in the collection can be seen on display in the Rank and Style gallery.
The uniform in which Nelson was fatally wounded can be seen in the Nelson’s Navy gallery. You can clearly see the bullet hole in the left shoulder of the coat.
Access to the collections
If you have a question about the Museum's collections, contact:
Research Enquiry Service
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
London SE10 9NF
Tel: + 44 (0)20 8312 6712
E-mail: lxveri@nmm.ac.uk
Not all of the objects in our collections are on permanent display; these objects are called the reserve collection and are mainly stored off-site. We advise that you contact us prior to visiting if you have a particular interest or if there is an object that you would like to view. We do provide access to the reserve collection and researchers are welcome to study items but an appointment must be made in advance.
Contact the E-library for further information:
Tel: +44 (0)20 8312 6516
E-mail: library@nmm.ac.uk
