Dr Sam Willis explores the fascinating history of the UK’s historic fleet – the historic vessels that survive in the UK. Many are afloat but there are also ships on slipways, in sheds, hidden in creeks, dismantled in boxes, forgotten on canals... To find out more Sam speaks with Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK. a government funded, independent organisation which gives objective advice to UK governments and local authorities, funding bodies, and the historic ships sector on all matters relating to historic vessels in the UK. Sam and Hannah met on board HMS Medusa in Portsmouth, a fine example of one of the UK's historic ships that was saved and is meticulously cared for for future generations to enjoy. Medusa is a Harbour Defence Motor Launch (HDML), built in 1943, and the last surviving vessel to have been at Omaha beach on DDay. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.