Step into the past at RWY's new history trail

ROYAL WILLIAM YARD BECOMES A FREE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

- JANET KING

Plymouth's Royal William Yard is inviting visitors to step into the past with the launch of its new History Trail today, as the popular destination becomes a free open-air museum, where visitors can explore two centuries of remarkable history.

The unveiling of the trail will be marked by a day of celebrations and heritage crafts with a twist.

The free, self-guided, interactive discovery trail will connect visitors to a wealth of fascinating facts, images and audio. It will take guests of all ages on a journey through the archives, sharing plans, pictures and stories that bring 200 years of remarkable history alive in a unique way.

With construction starting in 1825 on the iconic site, Royal William Yard was once described as "the grandest of all royal victualling yards." It served as the beating heart of the Royal Navy's food and drink supply chain for over a century, keeping sailors fed, watered and clothed while at sea and stationed across the globe. It stands as one of England's most magnificent industrial monuments and Europe's largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings.

Visitors can pick up a map from The Green on Saturday from 10am-3pm and explore the hidden histories around the Yard. The History Trail showcases everything from drawings by engineering legend Sir John Rennie, to historical insights uncovered during the Yard's restoration and little-know discoveries.

A map guides visitors round each of the 11 numbered stops, where they will find History Trail plaques on the walls of designated buildings, each with a unique QR code that unlocks captivating stories and firsthand accounts. The trail includes recordings of oral histories from people who worked on and at the Yard over the years - putting visitors in their shoes, as they stand in the same spot.