HIRE US
HMS Wales offers a wide range of roles for our members, take a look below and get in touch if you have any questions
Living History
Our ship's company aim to portray the various roles on board a Royal Navy warship from 1805.
If you are interested in meeting the crew, we would be happy to invite you to one of our events. We will partner you up with an experienced member of the crew, who will show the ropes as a 'mate'.
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Some of these roles include; seamanship, signalling, cooking, manning the guns, forming boarding parties, keeping watch, pike drill and also taking part in firing displays and battle skirmishes.
Live Firing Demonstrations
As well as our living history encampment and Nelson’s Challenge, we can also offer additional demonstrations at your event, choose from any of the following:
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Live Canon Firing Demo Experience the firepower of our ship’s gun - our gun crew demonstrate how to load and fire a cannon. This would really make your event go with a BANG!!
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Sailor VS Marine Live Canon Firing Demo Experience the firepower of our ship’s gun - our gun crew demonstrate how to load and fire a cannon. This would really make your event go with a BANG!!
Have your visitors cheer on their favourite member of our crew and watch as one of our Sailors goes up against one of our Royal Marines; to see who is the best shot with their flintlock muskets - who can shoot 3 shots a minute the quickest?
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During the live demo, we will talk tactics and weapons; as well as our Musket/Pike drill displays; presented by our Royal Marines and boarding party of sailors.
Nelson's Navy Challenge
Within our historic encampment, we bring various stands within it, showing different elements of life in the Royal Navy 1805. Here are just some of the things for your visitors to get involved with:
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Take on the Navy Challenge - Meet the Captain of our crew, he will introduce you to the Nelson’s Navy Challenge Decide to ‘step on board’ and see if you could have made it in Nelson’s Navy.
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Learn the Ropes - Meet our Bosun, who will introduce you to some basic knots. Have a go yourself, try not to get yourself tied up in knots
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Signal all Ships - Our Signals Lieutenant will show you how ships communicate in the age of sail. Crack the code from the other ship, and send your own message!
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Run out the guns! - Our Master Gunner will show you how the ship’s cannons work Take your position and help load our ship’s gun (Please note this cannon is only a prop, no ammunition is used and this cannon does NOT fire).
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Fall IN!!! - Meet our Royal Marines, they will show you our array of weaponry. Pick your own weapon (musket or cutlass).....it’s a great photo opportunity.
Historical Talks
Step into the age of sail with our interactive history talks exploring Admiral Nelson, the Battle of Trafalgar, and daily life aboard Royal Navy ships in 1805.
Through immersive storytelling, role-play, and hands-on materials, we bring naval history vividly to life—perfect for history enthusiasts seeking depth, drama, and authenticity.
Discover Nelson’s daring tactics, decode signal flags, and experience the grit and camaraderie of sailors at sea. Whether you're a Napoleonic aficionado or curious about maritime heritage, these sessions offer rich engagement for all.
Ideal for history groups, societies, and educational settings—where learning meets adventure on the high seas.
Weddings
Make your wedding unforgettable with a blast from history!
Our re-enactment group offers a truly unique experience: the bride and groom can fire our authentic 6-pounder naval cannon, saluted by a Red-coated Royal Marine guard of honour.
Perfect for history lovers, naval enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a dramatic, joyful spectacle. Whether you're tying the knot at sea or on land, we bring 1805 flair, ceremony, and fun to your special day.
Ideal for heritage venues, themed weddings, and historical societies—where love meets legacy with a bang. Let Nelson’s Navy celebrate your union in style!
“You were all a delight to work with, our visitors loved your displays and how passionate you are to support Welsh heritage and tourism. The interactive stuff you did with the kids was excellent.”
Jane McIlquham,
Raglan Castle
“It was a lovely couple of days when you were here. It makes such a difference when we have people staying overnight , it brings the Castle alive. Looking forward to your visit.”
Joy Treharne,
Laugharne Castle
"HMS Wales at the castle was a fantastic event, the staff are very friendly and easy to work with and they are a very well organised group and made a big effort to keep everything neat and tidy. Organising an event with them is straightforward and a delight. We had great feedback from our visitors who came to see the re-enactment and we look forward to having them back again at our castle."
Simon Trembluk;
Kidwelly Castle