Bristol maritime landmark The Matthew celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Atlantic crossing this weekend with a series of special events. The ship is a replica of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland 525 years ago in 1497.
The Matthew of Bristol Trust has organised a whole weekend of anniversary celebrations planned for the early May Bank Holiday weekend. These include public trips and events and an invitation-only VIP reception.
On Saturday (April 30) and Sunday (May 1), The Matthew will be hosting harbour trips during the morning. Then, from 1pm to 5pm, The Matthew’s volunteers and trustees will be bringing a taste of Tudor Bristol to the harbourside with music, activities and special guests.
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The celebrations will feature displays and demonstrations by The Somerset Bodgers and woodturner Geoff Hannis, plus entertainment from a local group of Tudor re-enactors. Also appearing will be The Bristol Waites, a group of medieval-style musicians.
All tickets for the harbour trips are now sold out but entrance is free for the afternoon activities. On Monday (May 2), the actual anniversary of the ship’s voyage, The Matthew of Bristol Trust will be hosting a reception for invited guests and VIPs.
Other activities include a knots and navigation table, displays of Tudor spices and examples of the types of fruit and vegetables eaten at that time. The Matthew of Bristol books will also be on sale.
Built between 1994 and 1996 on Redcliffe Quay, the modern Matthew set off on its own transatlantic voyage in May 1997 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Cabot’s famous voyage of exploration to Newfoundland. The ship today is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage with a busy schedule of public and private hire boat trips, school trips, film and festival work, and corporate and celebratory events.
The Matthew of Bristol was launched in September 1996 by Lady Wills on behalf of Prince Philip. In keeping with its Bristolian heritage, Lady Wills smashed a bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry on the bow rather than the traditional Champagne.
After completing sea trials to London, The Matthew set sail for Newfoundland on May 2, 1997. Skippered by David Alan Williams, she successfully made landfall in Bonavista on June 24, where she was welcomed into port by the Queen.
