Fallen Emperor: Napoleon in Plymouth Sound in 1815
The Box, Plymouth

When: 23 May 2015 to 26 September 2015
Where: Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AJ
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free Admission
Suitable for: Any age

10am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday
10am to 5pm Saturday
Closed Sunday and Monday 

In the summer of 1815, for ten dramatic days, HMS Bellerophon was anchored in Plymouth Sound with the self-styled French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte on board.

Napoleon had been defeated at Waterloo and surrendered himself into the care of the Royal Navy. The lengthy and costly Napoleonic Wars were over – but what to do with Napoleon now?

During the wars, ‘Boney’ had been portrayed as a 'monster' and 'disturber of the peace' – yet he was a folk-hero to the lower classes of all nations, even those he fought against.

Our exhibition is centred on the popular painting from our collections by Jules Girardet and explores the differing perceptions of Napoleon on his journey to Plymouth.

It also looks at the ship (commonly known as the ‘Billy Ruffian’) and the scenes in Plymouth Sound.

Why did so many people flock to see Napoleon? Were they curious or sympathetic? Was he a celebrity or a threat?