Speaker: Dr Chris Ellmers, independent researcher

This talk focuses on detailed research undertaken as part of a wider project to build a series of models of European, Arab and Indian vessels, commissioned and built for the Oman Across the Ages Museum, Nizwa. The grab – often called the ‘Bombay Grab’ – was a very distinctive type of fighting vessel once found along the coasts of the Indian Ocean. Grabs were built at Surat, Bombay and Cochin, on the west coast of India. They were used as warships by the Marathas, the Omanis and the East India Company during the long eighteenth century. Some also operated as armed traders. The talk will weave together numerous research elements to help portray something of the history, design and use of these once important ocean-going vessels. The production of a large-scale model of a Bombay Grab, that is now in the Oman Across the Ages Museum (formally opened 2023), features as part of the talk.

About the speaker:

Dr. Chris Ellmers is an independent maritime historian and museum consultant. He was the Founding Director of the Museum in Docklands (now the London Museum Docklands), which opened at West India Quay – near to Canary Wharf – in 2003 and where he remained a consultant until 2006. He has written and lectured widely on London’s port, river and industries. Amongst his current projects is a major history of the West India Docks during the nineteenth century. Chris is President and current Chairman of the Docklands History Group, founded in 1979.

This event is open to the public and free to attend both in-person and online (via Zoom). In-person spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!

For those joining online, the Zoom link will be sent by email two days before the event.