• Home
  • About the Trust
    • History of the Trust
    • Members Page
    • Bibliography
    • Volunteer Support Group
    • Links
  • History
    • Dockyard People
    • Gallery
    • Chronology
    • Personal Accounts
    • Development of Functions and Customs
  • Online Museum
    • Oral History
    • Exhibitions
    • Docking Register
    • Employment Register
    • Trident Paper
  • Contact
    • Search the site
Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust
  • Home
  • About the Trust
    • History of the Trust
    • Members Page
    • Bibliography
    • Volunteer Support Group
    • Links
  • History
    • Dockyard People
    • Gallery
    • Chronology
    • Personal Accounts
    • Development of Functions and Customs
  • Online Museum
    • Oral History
    • Exhibitions
    • Docking Register
    • Employment Register
    • Trident Paper
  • Contact
    • Search the site

Dockyard Timeline

A history in words and pictures of the Royal Dockyard Portsmouth.

Home
  • Home
  • About the Trust
    • History of the Trust
    • Members Page
    • Bibliography
    • Volunteer Support Group
    • Links
  • History
    • Dockyard People
    • Gallery
    • Chronology
    • Personal Accounts
    • Development of Functions and Customs
  • Online Museum
    • Oral History
    • Exhibitions
    • Docking Register
    • Employment Register
    • Trident Paper
  • Contact
    • Search the site
  • 0275

    275 AD Roman Period
    0275

    It was the secure location of the harbour that no doubt encouraged the Romans to build their fortress at the top end of harbour some time around 275 A.D and... more information
  • 0892

    892 - Portchester
    0892

    King Alfred strengthened the defences of Portchester.
  • 0897

    897 - Alfred
    0897

    King Alfred stationing some of his fleet in Portsmouth Harbour and it is said that some of the vessels were built here to his own design; they were not shaped... more information
  • 0904

    904 - Portchester
    0904

    Portchester Castle acquired by the Crown. (See 1632)
  • 0979

    979 - Portsea
    0979

    Portsea Island devastated by the Danes.
  • 0980

    980 -  Hamwic sacked by the Danes
    0980

    Hamwic, now a fortified medieval settlement called Southampton, sacked by the Danes.
  • 0998

    998 - Danes
    0998

    The Danes had returned and settled in the Isle of Wight.
  • 1066

    1066 - Harold
    1066

    King Harold (Godwineson) having seized the throne after the death of Edward the Confessor, mustered the fleet (we are told of 700 vessels.) at Portchester to cruise the Channel and ward... more information
  • 1086

    1086 - William
    1086

    William, “The Conqueror”, sailed for Normandy from Portsmouth harbour, never to return to England.
  • 1101

    1101 - Duke of Normandy
    1101

    Robert, Duke of Normandy, William “The Conquerors” eldest son and claimant to the English throne, landed at Portsmouth. After the death of William Rufus, who was killed by an arrow... more information
  • 1133

    1133 - Henry 1
    1133

    Henry I embarked from Portsmouth on his last expedition to Normandy. In the same year Empress Matilda landed at Portsmouth to assert her claim to the throne. 1148 Matilda fled back... more information
  • 1174

    1174 - Henry II
    1174

    Henry II embarked for Normandy in August
  • 1175

    1175 - Henry II Normandy
    1175

    Henry II returned victorious from Normandy in May.
  • 1175

    1175 - Henry Fleet
    1175

    Huge invasion fleet assembled by Henry II at Portsmouth but later disbanded.
  • 1180

    1180 - Foundation of Portsmouth
    1180

    Foundation of town of Portsmouth by Jean de Gisors (See 1194)
  • 1182

    1192 - Henry II
    1182

    Henry II made his will “by the seaside at Portsmouth” before embarking for France.
  • 1189

    1189 - Richard
    13/08/1189

    Richard, on the death of his father Henry II, hastened from France to claim the throne and landed at Portsmouth.
  • 1194

    1194 - Richard
    3/09/1194

    Richard was crowned at Westminster and after but a few months he left England to pursue his crusade to Palestine and the re-capture of Jerusalem. This Holy Crusade was beset... more information
  • 1194

    1194 - Richard Dockyard
    02/05/1194

    King Richard granted Portsmouth its charter: in the second paragraph he states “Know that we have retained our Borough of Portsmouth in our hands, with everything pertaining to it”. Richard... more information
  • 1200

    1200 - King John
    1200

    King John, returning from Barfleur in February confirmed the 1194 charter. He sailed back to France in April.
  • 1201

    1201 - King John and Queen Isabella
    1201

    King John and Queen Isabella celebrated Whitsuntide in the Kings Hall (which Richard I had ordered build.) John sailed with the Queen as far as the Isle of Wight, returned... more information
  • 1203

    1203 - King John
    1203

    King John landed here having been driven out of Normandy in December.
  • 1204

    1204 - King John
    1204

    King John landed here in April and again in May.
  • 1205

    1205 - King John
    1205

    At Whitsuntide King John assembled a large fleet and army here. He sailed in June but because of discontent amongst the nobles the expedition was abandoned.
  • 1206

    1206 - King John
    1206

    King John visited Portsmouth in May in connection with a projected expedition against la Rochelle
  • 1206

    1206 King John - Constable of Southampton
    29/04/1206

    King John orders the Constable of Southampton: As you value our honour and the peace of our kingdom, as soon as You receive these letters you are at once without... more information
  • 1212

    1212 - A Royal Dockyard is born
    20/05/1212

    Geoffrey de Lucy disposed of 13 ships captured by his galleys between 25 April and 8 September. The ships carried 666 tons of wine, 936 quarters of corn, 2,640 quarters of salt and 860 salted hog carcasses.... more information
  • 1213

    1213 - King John
    21/03/1213

    King John issued an order to assemble a fleet at Portsmouth. The fleet of 500 ships sailed on 28th May with 700 English and Flemish knights under the command of William, Earl... more information
  • 1214

    1214 - King John
    1214

    King John led an unsuccessful expedition against the French in February. Ten galleys based at Portsmouth. 1st February. The King, Queen, son Richard and niece Eleanor embarked but were delayed... more information
  • 1216

    1216 - Magna Carta
    1216

    Following Magna Carta and the start of Civil War in 1215 King John spent Whitsuntide at Portsmouth Planning to cross to France. During this year French forces landed and captured Portchester... more information
  • 1221

    1221 - Henry III
    1221

    Henry III assembled an army here to fight against the French.
  • 1224

    1224 - Principle Port of Kingdom
    1224

    Portsmouth listed as “one of the principle ports of the Kingdom”. Expedition against Poitou assembled and sailed from here.
  • 1225

    1225 - Great Ship Queen
    1225

    The Kings “great ship”, called the “Queen” based at Portsmouth until at least 1232, together with galleys.
  • 1228

    1228 - King John Dock
    1228

    King John‟s Dock damaged by storms and filled with stones. The Yard remained in use for stores and rigging but without a dock. (See 1212)
  • 1229

    1229 - Henry III
    1229

    Henry III granted two charters to Portsmouth. Large army assembled here but disbanded, having achieved nothing. Order for the repair of the Kings galleys at Portsmouth using 350 oaks from the... more information
  • 1230

    1230 - King Henry III
    1230

    Henry III sailed with his army for St Malo, returning in 1231. This abortive expedition failed to restore the Duchy of Normandy.
  • 1242

    1242 - King Henry III
    1242

    Henry III sailed for France and returned here in 1243.
  • 1253

    1253 - Henry III
    1253

    Henry III assembled a large army and 1,000 ships to invade France. The Queen sailed to join him from here inn 1254 at Whitsuntide.
  • 1256

    1256 - Charter Granted
    1256

    Charter granted by Henry III.
  • 1258

    1258 - Fourth Charter
    1258

    Fourth Charter granted by Henry III.
  • 1266

    1266 - Barons
    1266

    Barons of the Cinque Ports, jealous of the growing trade of Portsmouth and Southampton, starting seizing cargoes bound for those ports, they invaded and burned the town of Portsmouth, murdered... more information
  • 1270

    1270 - Prince Edward
    1270

    Prince Edward sailed from Portsmouth in August on crusade.
  • 1290

    1290 - Constable of Portchester
    1290

    Henry Husse Constable of Portchester Castle became the first military Governor of Portsmouth.
  • 1293

    1293 - Battle
    1293

    ​English and French fleets met for battle in the Channel. English captured 240 Ships.
  • 1294

    1294 - Edward I
    1294

    Edward I sailed from here for France with 7,810 infantry and 895 cavalry.
  • 1295

    1295 - Channel Squadron
    1295

    The first Channel squadron was formed at Portsmouth. Sir William Leybourne appointed “Captain of the Kings Sailors and mariners”
  • 1298

    1298 - Fleet Order
    1298

    Edward I’s son, in the King’s name, issued orders to Gervase Alard of Winchelsea, Admiral of the Cinque Ports from Dover to Cornwall, to build a large galley... more information
  • 1313

    1313 - Town Charter
    1313

    Edward II confirmed town charter.
  • 1324

    1324 - Fleet of Transporters
    1324

    Fleet of transports assembled here to take troops to Aquitaine.
  • 1326

    1326 - 50 ton ship
    1326

    All ship of 50 tons and over in ports north and west of the Thames ordered to Portsmouth.
  • 1327

    1327 - French Galleys
    1327

    In March French galleys, commanded by Nicholas Behuchet, burned Portsmouth and killed many of its people.
  • 1336

    1336 - French Sacked Portsmouth
    1336

    French sacked Portsmouth. Portsmouth appointed the rendezvous for ships to resist the French
  • 1337

    1337 - Galleys land in Portsmouth
    1337

    French galleys under command of Nicholas Behuchet land at Portsmouth under the cover of an English flag, landing a body of troops near Portsmouth, they plundered and burn the town... more information
  • 1338

    1338 - Portsmouth Sacked
    1338

    French again sacked the town killing many inhabitants.
  • 1344

    1344 - Defeat Spanish Fleet
    1344

    Edward’s fleet attack and defeat the Spanish fleet off the Sussex coast. The Battle was known as “Les Espagnols-sur-Mer” (The Spanish at Sea) and is said to be the... more information
  • 1346

    1346 - Edward Army
    04/06/1346

    King Edward III assembled an army of 3,000 knights, 10,000 archers, 4,000 Welsh light infantry and 3,000 support troops here. Having reviewed his fleet of 700 ships he sailed to France on 11th July, landing... more information
  • 1349

    1349 - Plague
    1349

    The plague seriously depleted the local population.
  • 1355

    1355 - Edward III
    1355

    Edward III sailed from Portchester, defeated the French, and was briefly restored to the French throne.
  • 1367

    1367 - Black Prince
    1367

    Black Prince sailed from Portchester for an expedition into Spain.
  • 1369

    1369 - Portsmouth attacked
    09/1369

    French again burned Portsmouth. English fleet sailed from Portsmouth in retaliation and sacked Limoges.
  • 1370

    1370 - Gosport Burns
    1370

    30 French vessels gain passage into Portsmouth harbour and burn Gosport.
  • 1372

    1372 - Merchant
    1372

    All merchant vessels in England and Wales ordered to assemble for the Kings service at Portsmouth.
  • 1374

    1374 - Fleet Sailed
    1374

    English fleet sailed from here to Le Havre and burned 5 ships.
  • 1377

    1377 - Portsmouth razed
    1377

    Portsmouth was razed to the ground by the invaders again, this time under Jean de Viene Admiral of France. On this occasion the inhabitants rallied and drove the Frenchmen back... more information
  • 1380

    1380 - Town Burns
    1380

    Portsmouth again burned by the French
  • 1384

    1384 - Charter Granted
    1384

    Charter granted by Richard II. Portsmouth fitted out a squadron to Harry the French, engaging the French of equal force in the Channel they took every vessel and slew all... more information
  • 1385

    1385 - Portsmouth Squadron
    1385

    Portsmouth squadron enter the Seine where they captur four vessels and four ships. Among the prizes was the barge of Sire de Clisson, which was worth 20.000 florins, and was said... more information
  • 1386

    1386 - Duke of Lancaster
    1386

    Duke of Lancaster embarked with an army of 28,000 for France, leading an expedition to recover Castile in Spain. Commission appointed to survey the town defences.
  • 1396

    1396 - Portchester Castle
    1396

    Portchester Castle provided with a new Great Hall, Kitchen and private apartments to serve as a royal residence.
  • 1405

    1405 - Chart Granted
    1405

    Henry IV granted charter
  • 1415

    1415 - King Henry V
    06/07/1415

    King Henry V reviewing a fleet of 1500 vessels at Portsmouth. He later sailed for France with 2000 knights and men-at-arms and about 8000 archers to win a close run victory at the... more information
  • 1416

    1416 - Blockade
    1416

    English fleet blockaded by French at Portsmouth.
  • 1417

    1417 - Round Tower Built
    1417

    Round Tower built at harbour entrance to defend the harbour and approaches
  • 1423

    1423 - Henry V
    1423

    Henry V, The Duke of Clarence and Duke of Gloucester sailed to conquer Normandy. The Kings triumphant return in 1422 became a royal progress through the Kingdom. Charter granted by Henry... more information
  • 1441

    1441 - Portchester Castle
    1441

    Portchester Castle described as in a ruinous state. By 1500 it was a total ruin. (See 286, 904, 1290,1396)
  • 1445

    1445 - Margaret
    1445

    Margaret of Anjou Landed at Portchester to marry Henry VI at Tichfield Abbey.
  • 1461

    1461 - New Charter
    1461

    Edward IV granted a new charter
  • 1474

    1474 - Troop Review
    1474

    Troop review of army of 30,000 men on Southsea Common by Edward IV
  • 1474

    1474 - Richard III charter
    1474

    Charter granted by Richard III.
  • 1489

    1489 - Henry VII charter
    1489

    Henry VII granted charter.
  • 1492

    1492 - Brewery
    1492

    Brewery ordered built by the King. Called the „Greyhound‟ it cost £145 and was probably situated in High Street.
  • 1495

    1495 - Great Excommunication
    1495

    “and in this year, the Friday the ninth of January, Master Adam Moleyns, Bishop of Chichester and Keeper of the Kings Privy Seal, whom the king sent to Portsmouth to... more information
  • 1495

    1495 - Worlds First Dry Dock
    14/07/1495

    Henry VII bought 8 acres of land to build the first dry dock in the world. The designer of the Dock was Sir Reginald Bray who was described as a sage... more information
  • 1497

    1497 - First Ships Launched
    1497

    First known ships launched from Portsmouth dockyard, The “Sweepstake”, costing £120 and “Mary Fortune”, costs £110. “Sweepstake” survived until 1511 when she was rebuilt as “Katherine Pomegranate”. The second ship in the dry... more information
  • 1509

    1509 - Building of the Mary Rose
    1509

    Saw the building of the Mary Rose and Peter Pomegranate at Portsmouth. The Mary Rose became flagship of the King‟s Fleet She was later rebuilt in the Dockyard. Along... more information
  • 1510

    1509 - Receipts
    29/01/1510

    Receipts show that £1175, 14 s and 2 pence were spent on the kings ship Sovereigne.
  • 1511

    1511 - Henry VIII Charter
    1511

    Charter granted by Henry VIII and Portsmouth became a building centre for the Kings ships. He was the first king to build warships design to repel and invasion fleet at... more information
  • 1512

    1512 - Henry VIII reviewed ships
    1512

    Henry VIII reviewed ships before Lord Howard of Effingham sailed with 25 ships to fight the French at Brest on 10th August where “Regent” (See 1497) was lost by fire.
  • 1513

    1513 - Victualling Built
    1513

    Saw facilities for victualling the fleet, built at the town in the form of five brewhouses, “to supply the army and navy with ‘a good beverage’ (a gallon per head... more information
  • 1517

    1517 - Size of Henry VIII navy
    1517

    King Henry VIII‟s navy, in the ninth year of his reign, was 21 ships.
  • 1521

    1521 - Naval Storehouse
    1521

    Henry VIII paid £400 for a great naval storehouse at Portchester Castle. Completed in 1527. The navy, at this date, consisted of 16 ships totalling 7,260 tons (See 1517).
  • 1522

    1522 - Ye Mightie Chaine of Yron
    02/1522

    Heavy iron chain to draw across the harbour entrance ordered by the King - Ye Mightie Chaine of Yron. (Some links of a later chain are on show in Southsea... more information
  • 1523

    1523 - Henry Grace a Dieu
    1523

    For the making a Doc at Portsmouth for the King‟s ship Royal “Henry Grace à Dieu” It is generally thought this refers to the enlarging of the dock.
  • 1526

    1526 - Keeper of the Dock
    1526

    Thomas Jermyn appointed Keeper of the Dock at Portsmouth at a salary of one shilling a day with sixpence a day for a clerk.
  • 1527

    1527 - Dockyard expansion
    1527

    Nine acres of land bought for the dockyard at 20 shillings an acre.
  • 1536

    1536 - Mary Rose remodelled
    1536

    French cut out a Flemish ship in Portsmouth harbour. “Mary Rose” remodelled to 700 tons, she became the first ship with broadside firing heavy guns. This was the prototype of ship... more information
  • 1538

    C1538 - Southsea Castle building
    1538

    Southsea Castle commenced building to protect the approach channel to the harbour where it turns at right angles and follows the shoreline. Completed in 1544. (See 1628, 1759, 1975)
  • 1539

    1539 - Map of Portsmouth
    1539

    Early map of Portsmouth town, showing houses, 4 great brewing houses for naval beer, and the names of property owners. In 1540 John Leland, antiquary and spy for the King, described Portsmouth’... more information
  • 1540

    1540 - Expenses of the King’s Ships
    1540

    Expenses of the King’s ships were £1,425 a month with 1613 seamen serving in the Navy. About this date John Leland traveller, and spy for King Henry VIII visited Portsmouth and... more information
  • 1542

    1542 - Clerk of Stores
    1542

    Appointment of Clerk of the Stores at Portsmouth.
  • 1544

    1544 - Henry VIII sailed from Portsmouth
    1544

    Henry VIII, sailing from Portsmouth, landed at Calais and laid siege to Boulogne which he captured.
  • 1545

    1545 - French Invasion and Mary Rose sinking
    19/07/1545

    French invasion fleet of 235 ships attempted to establish a foothold on the Isle of Wight and threatened Portsmouth. The King assembled a large army on Southsea Common. Fleet action off... more information
  • 1546

    1546 - Royal Patent
    24/04/1546

    The Navy Board was established by Royal Patent, appointing civil officers as Commissioners to serve under the Lord High Admiral as lieutenants of Admiralty, Treasure of Marine Causes, Comptroller, Surveyor,... more information
  • 1548

    1548 - List of Ships of the Navy
    1548

    List of Navy ships made in January describes 20 ships, 15 galleys, 10 pinnaces and 13 row barges…the greatest part of the fleet then in Portsmouth harbour. (i.e. 12 ships, 13 galleys, 6 pinnaces & 10... more information
  • 1550

    1550 - Edward VI charter
    1550

    The whole fleet except “Henry Grace à Dieu” assembled in Portsmouth. 53 ships manned by 5,136 seamen, 1,885 soldiers and 759 gunners. Charter granted to town by Edward VI.
  • 1552

    1552 - Edward VI Review of the Fleet
    1552

    Edward VI reviewed his fleet and criticised the fortifications of Portsmouth. An inventory of the fleet lists 24 ships and pinnaces in good repair; 7 ships to be docked and 4 in dry... more information
  • 1557

    1557 - Fire in Naval Store House
    1557

    A “great and terrible ffyer” destroyed the Naval Storehouse in King Street destroying 26,000 cask hoops, coopers tools and 100 tons of empty casks. (See 1576) The King Street Bakery ceased operation and... more information
  • 1558

    1558 - Plague
    17/11/1558

    Plague killed more than half of the population of Portsmouth and the surrounding area. (See 1349, 1625 and 1665/6) Navy list of 27 ships and pinnaces with 3,565 crew costing £1,436 per month in wages and £1,782... more information
  • 1560

    1560 - Refortification of Portsmouth
    08/1560

    In August of 1560 Richard Popynjay was appointed Surveyor of Portsmouth and started to re-plan many parts of its fortification. There is no doubt that this was much delayed by plague... more information
  • 1561

    1561 - Elizabethan Charter
    1561

    Charter granted by Elizabeth I who visited Portsmouth, reviewed the fleet and ordered the fortifications re-built. The cost was defrayed by the first national lottery in 1569 which raised £200,000. Work on... more information
  • 1563

    1563 - Plague
    1563

    Plague kills 300 inhabitants (See 1349, 1558, 1625, 1665/6 and 1663).
  • 1565

    1565 - Royal Commission
    1565

    Royal Commission ordered the high handed Military Governor Sir Adrian Poynings to respect the authority of the Mayor and Corporation. Navy consisted of 29 ships and others vessels.
  • 1570

    1570 - Dockyard Fire
    1570

    Dockyard virtually destroyed by fire. Between 1559 and 1570 over £6,600 was spent on Portsmouth dockyard (£73,300 spent on Deptford).
  • 1576

    1576 - Storehouse Fire
    04/08/1576

    Navy Storehouse in King Street again destroyed by fire (See 1557 and 1784)
  • 1582

    1582 - Queen Review
    1582

    Queen Elizabeth I reviewed the fleet at Spithead.
  • 1584

    1584 - Square Tower
    1584

    Square Tower used as a magazine until 1779 (See 1773). Twenty-one warships in harbour manned by 3,559 marines and 1,646 soldiers. A new wharf built in the Dockyard.
  • 1585

    1585 - Roanoak Colony
    7/7/1585

    Roanoak colony establish in Virginia. This was the first English colony to be established in the new world and was commanded by Ralph Lane. After setting up the Colony he... more information
  • 1588

    1588 - Armada
    24/7/1588

    Spanish Armada passed Isle of Wight on 24th July. Portsmouth supplied and revictualled the shadowing English fleet. Navy had 34 ships totalling 12,590 tons with 6,279 crew.
  • 1591

    1591 - Queen visit
    1591

    Queen Elizabeth I visited Portsmouth and the Dockyard. She inherited a permanent fleet of 35 ships of all classes which increased to 42 ships in 1603.
  • 1600

    1600 - Second Elizabethan Charter
    1600

    Queen Elizabeth granted 2nd charter
  • 1603

    1603 - Queen Dies
    24/03/1603

    Queen Elizabeth dies and is succeeded by James I (or James VI of Scotland). He had a nick name of the British Solomon, “the wisest fool in Christendom‟.
  • 1604

    1604 - Navy List
    1604

    Navy consisted of 41 ships which reduced to 36 by 1607, and 39 by 1618 when 13 of these were decayed or unserviceable.
  • 1618

    1618 - Naval Reform
    1618

    Reform of the Navy Board.
  • 1620

    1620 - Beer Contract
    1620

    A commission of Master Shipwrights and Brethren of Trinity House came to evaluate Portsmouth as a Naval Harbour. The party caught ship fever and one Master shipwright died. Their views... more information
  • 1623

    1623 - Dry Dock filled
    1623

    Dry dock filled with rubble (See 1495 and 1523) King James I visited Portsmouth and reviewed the fleet. The Prince of Wales (later Charles I) landed here on his return from France ... more information
  • 1625

    1625 - Plague
    1625

    Portsmouth again badly affected by plague (See 1349, 1558, 1563 and 1665/6)
  • 1626

    1626 - soldier listing
    1626

    4,000 soldiers quartered at Portsmouth. Seamen on naval ships were 3,935 with 594 in other ships.
  • 1627

    1627 - Charles I visit
    1627

    Charles I visited the town and reviewed the fleet and saw off the ill fated expedition to La Rochelle. The Duke of Buckingham caused estimates to be prepared for the... more information
  • 1628

    1628 - Duke of Buckingham Murdered
    23/08/1628

    Southsea Castle badly damaged by fire (See 1538, 1544, 1759) Duke of Buckingham, Lord High Admiral, murdered by John Felton, a disgruntled soldier. Felton laid in wait and stabbed the Duke to death... more information
  • 1630

    1630 - Master Shipwrights
    1630

    Phineas Pett, Master Shipbuilder and William Burrell, Master Shipwright surveyed the ships at Portsmouth in May.
  • 1632

    1631 - King Visit
    2/8/1632

    King Charles I visited Portsmouth and reviewed the fleet.
  • 1632

    1632 - Portchester Castle sold
    1632

    Sale of Portchester Castle to a private owner (See 904)
  • 1633

    1633 - Navy Ships List
    1633

    Navy consisted of 50 ships totalling 23,595 tons with 9,470 mariners.
  • 1635

    1635 - Building Restrictions
    1635

    Order issued that no buildings be built within 40ft of the Dockyard wall and that 19 no thatched roofs be used in the Dockyard (See 1703)
  • 1638

    1638 - Master Shipwright
    1638

    Master Shipwright Edward Boate was ordered to reside at Portsmouth permanently. (Previous to this Master Shipwright only visited) One of the reasons for the reluctance to re-adopt Portsmouth as permanent... more information
  • 1642

    1642 - Royalist Portsmouth
    2/8/1642

    Colonel Goring (Governor of Portsmouth) declares for the King. Lord Clarendon in speaking in Parliament Declared: “From the Governor of a place that had the reputation of being the only... more information
  • 1645

    1645 - Bombardments of Gosport
    1645

    Goring with three Royalist ships bombarded Gosport but was driven off.
  • 1649

    1649 - Commonwealth
    29/5/1649

    England was proclaimed a Commonwealth or a “Free state”. It was during this time that the size of the navy almost doubled. In 1649 Colonel William Willoughby of the Parliamentary Army... more information
  • 1650

    1650 - The Portsmouth launched
    1650

    46 gun ship “Portsmouth” (600 tons) launched here. Between 1649 and 1659 the Commonwealth built 207 new warships. Shipwrights ordered not to remove oddments of timber from the Dockyard and were paid one penny a... more information
  • 1652

    1652 - Ships List
    1652

    Navy had 98 ships of all classes. Prince Rupert left England with 25 ships which never returned.
  • 1653

    1653 - The Hampshire launched
    1653

    Admiral Blake won a sea battle against the Dutch off the Isle of Wight. 11 warships, 30 merchant ships and 1,000 Dutch prisoners were captured. “Hampshire” (640 tons) launched from Dockyard. Naval expenditure at... more information
  • 1654

    1654 - Spithead Mutiny
    1654

    Mutiny in fleet because of bad food and conditions. (See 1783 and 1797) On Christmas Day Admiral Penn sailed with a 38 ship squadron and 3,000 soldiers on expedition to the West Indies.
  • 1655

    1655 - Graving Dock
    1655

    Graving Dock, built on site of Great Basin (See 1698).
  • 1656

    1656 - double dock built
    1656

    Double Dock built north of the Graving Dock completed in 1658 (lost when Basin No.1 extended in 1800) “Pelican” (38 guns) accidentally burned
  • 1658

    1658 - Navy List
    1658

    Navy consisted of 157 ships and vessels manned by 21,910 men. Double Dry Dock completed. New Single Dock ordered to be built and 2 acres added to the Dockyard
  • 1659

    1659 - The Portsmouth II Launched
    1659

    “Portsmouth” (468 tons, 2nd ship of that name built here) launched (See 1650). 5,000 strong garrisons marched to London to aid Parliament and support the return of Charles II.
  • 1660

    1660 - Charles II visit
    1660

    Restoration of Charles II who visited Portsmouth with his mother Henrietta Maria. Navy had 154 ships and lesser craft totalling 57,463 tons. All were in a shocking state of disrepair. August. A... more information
  • 1661

    1661 - Governor of Portsmouth
    1/5/1661

    HRH James, Duke of York made Governor of Portsmouth until 1673. In may Samuel Pepys visited Dockyard accompanied by his wife Elizabeth and clerk John Creed. Queen and Princess embarked for... more information
  • 1661

    1661 - Navy Commissioners
    14/8/1661

    The Navy Commissioners did not always pay their bills as this letter from a contractor states. John Timbrell to the Navy Commissioners. Has neither stock nor credit, and the workmen... more information
  • 1662

    1662 - Samuel Pepys Visits
    23/4/1662

    Samuel Pepys visits Portsmouth and stayed with an old friend. “The Doctor (Dr. Clerke) and I lay together at Wiard’s the chyrureons (surgeons) in Portsmouth; his wife is a... more information
  • 1662

    1662 - Storehouse costs
    24/5/1662

    Estimate by John Tippetts of the charge of building a storehouse in Portsmouth Dockyard: total £672. With approval of Sir Geo Carteret and Sir John Mennes. (see 4th December)
  • 1662

    1662 - Pepys Diary Entry
    30/4/1662

    Samuel Pepys, (Clerk of the Acts or Secretary to the Navy Board since 1660), on a visit to Portsmouth dockyard was made a Town Burgess. Pepys’s diary records:“and with... more information
  • 1662

    1662 - Royal Marriage
    21/5/1662

    1662 saw great rejoicing in Portsmouth when King Charles married the Infanta, Catherine of Braganza in the old Domus Dei. A glimpse of this love match can be gained in their... more information
  • 1662

    1662 - Storehouse delays
    4/12/1662

    John Tippetts to James Newman. The wet weather delays the storehouse; the oar maker will make the rafters into oars at 5s the 100 feet, if paid ready money.
  • 1663

    1663 - Dockyard expansion
    1663

    A further 8 acres added to the Dockyard on the south side to provide the site for a wooden Great Ropehouse see (1704 etc) of 1,000 ft length running parallel with an existing... more information
  • 1664

    1664 - Royal Marines Established
    17/5/1664

    Charles II and the Duke of York visited Portsmouth. Twenty captured Dutch merchantmen brought into Portsmouth as prizes. Royal Marines established. Warrant to pay to Col: Wm. Legg, Lieutenant of... more information
  • 1664

    1664 - New Mast Pond
    27/8/1664

    John Tippetts to the Navy Commissioners. Thinks that the earth for the Ordnance Wharf may be digged, carried, and spread, for 8d a load. Progress of the New Mast Dock, ... more information
  • 1664

    1664 - Ye Mighty Chanie of Yron
    7/12/1664

    Ye Mighty Chanie of Yron. From John Tippets, Master Shipwright at Portsmouth. “These are to certifie that Edward Silvester of Gosport, Smyth, hath given Securitie for the making and laying... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - New Admiralty Residency
    1665

    1665 the Great Plague of London had not yet reached Portsmouth when Commissioner Middleton, writes to Pepys: “Where I am now, wee are forced to packe nyne people in a roome... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - New Dockyard Commissioner’s House
    25/2/1665

    Dockyard Commissioners House. Thomas Middleton to Samuel Pepys: “Details of a new house to be built for myself, with accommodation for any of the Commissioners when they come down.” (It... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - Workmen
    1/7/1665

    Pepys to the Duke of Albemarle by appointment to give him an account of some disorder at the Yard at Portsmouth - by workmen going away of their own accord... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - Fortification of Dockyard
    9/8/1665

    A Royal Commission was granted to the Portsmouth Governor and other Principal Officers to purchase land around Portsmouth and the Dockyard to build fortification. These were set out to the... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - Sick in Portchester Castle
    15/8/1665

    500 Dutchmen are received at Portchester Castle, many of them very sick.
  • 1665

    1665 - Dockyard Commissioners House
    30/8/1665

    Dockyard Commissioners House. Middleton to Pepys. Cannot imagine that his present house was built only for himself: is content with a good bed to lie on, a hammock to sleep... more information
  • 1665

    1665 - Dockyard Commissioners House Furniture
    15/9/1665

    Dockyard Commissioners House. Middleton to Pepys. Requires 350 for furnishing his new house: promises to send an inventory of things purchased. If more than the sum be laid out, will pay... more information
  • 1666

    1666 - Dockyard
    29/3/1666

    Middleton to Pepys. No part of England is better suited for docks than Portsmouth.
  • 1666

    1666 - Dockyard Employment
    8/4/1666

    From Commissioner Middleton to Pepys. The sawyers who had been on strike and in consequence discharged, had petitioned to be employed as labourers, and the Commissioners comment: “Sweet is any... more information
  • 1667

    1667 - Garrison Fortifications
    31/3/1667

    Parliament voted £600,000 to build 30 new ships some of which were built at Portsmouth. Hugh Salesbury to Willamson. Three vessels have come to refit. The Garrison fortifications will be concluded in... more information
  • 1668

    1668 - Defence of Portsmouth
    1668

    New defences designed by Bernard de Gomme (See 1662) commenced. Dutch prisoners of war provided much of the labour. (Map showing de Gommes design in British Museum) Colonel Thomas Middleton appointed... more information
  • 1669

    1669 - Mast House
    1669

    Mast House built behind Main Gate. Part remained until destroyed by bombing in World War II.
  • 1670

    1670 - Royal Navy Created
    1670

    Charles II created the Royal Navy. Anthony Deane, the best ship designer of the period, appointed Master Shipwright here.
  • 1671

    1671 - Pepys Visit
    1671

    Samuel Pepys visited Portsmouth Dockyard in July with Lord Brouncker and Commissioner Tippetts of the Navy Board to meet King Charles II. With Anthony Deane they set out to survey... more information
  • 1672

    1672 - Charles II Visit
    1672

    Charles II visited Portsmouth to inspect progress on new defence and to review an allied fleet of nearly 100 ships with 6,000 guns and 34,000 men. The English and French fleet, as allies,... more information
  • 1673

    1673 - New Commissioner of Dockyard
    1673

    Anthony Deane promoted to Commissioner of the Dockyard. In January “Resolution”, a 3rd rate, was about to set sail when the Yeoman of the Powder Room decided to inspect the... more information
  • 1674

    1674 - Staff cuts
    1674

    Navy Board ordered the Master Shipwright and the Clerk of the Cheque to cut dockyard staff to: - Shipwrights 120 Joiners 12 Clerk of the Survey 1 Caulkers 20 Bricklayers 5 Pitch Heaters 1 Oakum boys 8... more information
  • 1675

    1675 - Charles II nearly drowns
    1675

    The King was very pleased with two yachts designed and built by Anthony Deane for use by Louis XIV on his lake at Versailles. These were delivered to France by... more information
  • 1677

    1677 - Dockyard Expansion
    1677

    Nine more acres added to the dockyard on the east side. Samuel Pepys totally reformed victualling of the Navy and established new victualling standards. Payment for victuals was at the... more information
    1677 - Dockyard Expansion
  • 1678

    1678 - Ship building in Portsmouth
    1678

    30 ships being built for the Navy, some at Portsmouth.
  • 1682

    1682 - Uniting Charter
    1682

    Charles II charter united Portsmouth and Gosport.
  • 1683

    1683 - Pepys sails from Portsmouth
    2/4/1683

    Samuel Pepys with Lord Dartmouth sailed from Portsmouth in August aboard “Grafton”. Their mission was to evacuate and destroy Tangier. After a holiday in Spain Pepys and Dartmouth sailed for... more information
  • 1684

    1684 - Dockyard Decay
    1684

    Total Navy in decay and sinking at moorings unmanned. Dockyards at a standstill for want of money.
  • 1685

    1685 - Plan to Save Navy
    1685

    Early in November Samuel Pepys requested Sir Anthony Deane to propose a plan to save the Navy. His report was that out of a total of 179 ships of all sizes 142... more information
  • 1687

    1687 - Dockyard Funding
    1687

    Navy Board grant £40,000 for new storehouses and dry docks at Chatham and Portsmouth.
  • 1688

    1688 - Navy List
    1688

    Navy had 173 ships (including 8 hulks) of 101,892 tons with 42,000 mariners . Surgeon appointed to the Dockyard. Workmen contributed 2d a month to his ay. (See 1854,1875,1918)
  • 1689

    1689 - Dockyard Survey
    29/5/1689

    The Commissioner wrote to the Porter, Mr C. Breckwith ( He lived in the Porters Lodge just inside the Dockyard Gate):- “ whereas I find inconvenience ariseth to ye great prejudice... more information
    1689 - Dockyard Survey
  • 1691

    1691 - Work begun on new wet dock
    1691

    Work begun on a new Wet Dock (now the reservoir), the Great Stone Dock (No. 5), The Great Basin (2/3rd of No. 1 Basin) and a building slip on the site of... more information
    1691 - Work begun on new wet dock
  • 1691

    1691 - Admiral poisoned
    1691

    Admiral Sir John Berry poisoned aboard ship in Portsmouth harbour.
  • 1691

    1691 - Launch of HMS NORWICH
    16/07/1691

    16th July. The 4th rate ship Norwich of 48 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was of the same class as the Weymouth and Litchfield. On commissioning she sailed for... more information
  • 1692

    1692 - Battle of Barfleur
    19/05/1692

    The deposed ex-King James II, aided by Louis XIV of France, assembled a large army of 30,000 men and 500 transports at La Hogue with a French fleet in the Channel. But... more information
  • 1692

    1692 - Launch of HMS RUSSELL
    03/06/1692

    3rd June. The 2nd rate ship Russell of 80 guns was launched. She was at the Battle of Cartagena in 1741; and sunk as a breakwater at Sheerness in 1762.
  • 1693

    Launch of HMS WEYMOUTH
    08/08/1693

    8th August. The 4th rate ship Weymouth of 48 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was re-built at Woolwich in 1718 and broken up at Portsmouth in 1732.
  • 1693

    1693 - Launch of FORESTER
    02/11/1693

    2nd November. The hoy (a small coaster) Forester of 7 guns was launched; she was wrecked in 1752.
  • 1694

    1694 - Launch Of HMS FLY
    03/1694

    March. The Brigantine Fly of 6 guns was launched from the yard; this type of vessel was small, lightly-built with fine lines, and intended to row with sweeps as well as... more information
  • 1694

    1694 - Launch of the MERCURY
    19/03/1694

    19th March. The Mercury of 6 guns was launched; she was similar to the Fly. She was captured by a French Privateer’s man off Ushant on 19th June 1697.
  • 1694

    1694 - Launch of HMS NEWPORT
    07/04/1694

    7th April. The 6th rate ship Newport of 24 guns was launched. She was taken by the French in the Bay of Fundy 5th July 1696.
  • 1694

    1694 - Launch Of SCOUT
    13/07/1694

    13th July. The Scout of 6 guns was launched from the yard; she was similar to the Mercury and Fly. Sold out of service in July 1703.
  • 1695

    1695 - Chips
    1695

    Chips. The Admiralty tries to restrict the abuse of the perquisite of “chips” “lawfully to such as falls from the axe”. Chips are not to be gathered and laid aside... more information
  • 1695

    1695 - Launch of HMS LICHFIELD
    04/02/1695

    4th February. The 4th rate ship Lichfield of 48 guns was launched. Originally named after the Roundhead victory at the Battle of Lichfield in 1643, she was in action against the French... more information
  • 1695

    1695 - Launch of HMS SHREWSBURY
    06/02/1695

    6th February. The 2nd rate ship Shrewsbury of 80 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She fought at Velez Malaga on the 13th August 1704. In this battle Admiral Sir Gorge Rook... more information
  • 1695

    1695 - Launch of EXPRESS
    1695

    The Advice boat Express of 6 guns was launched from the Yard during the year; she was sold to a private buyer in January 1712.
  • 1695

    1695 - Launch of POSTBOY
    14/04/1695

    14th April. The advice boat Postboy was launched; she was captured by the French ship Facteur de Bristol off Plymouth on 3rd July 1695.
  • 1696

    1696 - Launch of FLY
    11/02/1696

    11th February. The ketch, Fly, of 4 guns was launched from the yard. She was sold to a private buyer in April 1712.
  • 1697

    1697 - Launch of ASSOCIATION
    01/01/1697

    1st January. The 2nd rate ship Association of 90 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was part of Admiral Sir George Rook’s Anglo-Dutch fleet of 25 sail-of-the-line that attacked a... more information
  • 1697

    1697 - Launch of EXETER
    26/05/1697

    26th May. The 4th rate ship Exeter of 60 guns was launched from the dockyard; she was broken up in 1740.
  • 1697

    1697 Launch of LOOE & SEAFORD
    15/10/1697

    15th October. Two ships were launched from the dockyard on this date. The 5th rate ship Looe of 32 guns was later lost in Scratchwell bay on the back of the... more information
  • 1698

    1698 - Visit of Peter the Great
    03/1698

    March. Peter the Great, Czar of Russia, inspected the Dockyard and watched a mock battle at Spithead.
  • 1698

    1698 - The First Dry Docking Complex
    22/06/1698

    In the late 1690’s work started at Portsmouth on a new dry dock that had been drawn up by Edmund Dummer, Surveyor to the Navy Board. Dummer’s career started... more information
    1698 - The First Dry Docking Complex
  • 1699

    1699 - Constructon of No. 6 Dock
    1699

    Gates provided at west end of approach channel to Upper Wet dock creating a second dry dock; to-day it is known as No 6 Dry Dock.
    1699 - Constructon of No. 6 Dock
  • 1699

    1699 - Launch of Nassau
    02/08/1699

    2nd August. Saw the launching of the 3rd Rate Ship Nassau of 80 guns from the Dockyard. She was with Admiral Rook in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 and in the... more information
  • 1699

    1699 - Launches of SWIFT & WOOLF
    31/10/1699

    31st October. Two vessels were launched on this date, the sloop Swift of 4 guns was captured by French Privateer’s men of the Scillies on 18th August 1702. The other vessel... more information
  • 1700

    1700 - Victualling the Fleet
    09/01/1700

    Victualling also greatly added to the wealth of the town for much of the produce came from local industry and the table below gives some idea as to its importance: ... more information
  • 1700

    1700 - No. 6 (North Dock) Opened
    1700

    No. 6 (North Dock) opened. This was originally a lock into the Wet Dock. The Dockyard had only one building slip at this date (See 1730).
  • 1703

    1703 - War of Spanish Succession - 1702-1713
    1703

    The Royal Navy consisted of 272 ships and other craft totalling 159,000 tons.
  • 1703

    1703 - Visit by Queen Anne
    1703

    Queen Anne visited the Dockyard and, at the intercession of the Prince Consort, allowed shipwrights and dockyard workers to build on Portsmouth Common (Portsea). Street names in the area commemorate... more information
  • 1703

    1703 - Launch of Yacht Portsmouth
    11/01/1703

    11th January. The Yacht Portsmouth of 6 guns was launched from the Dockyard, thought to have been intended as a Commissioner’s yacht. In 1741 an order was placed at Portsmouth to... more information
  • 1703

    1703 - Launch of SQUIRREL
    14/06/1703

    14th June. Launching of the 6th rate ship Squirrel of 20 guns. She was an unfortunate vessel as soon after completion, she was on her first voyage off Dungeness when she... more information
  • 1704

    1704 - Building of a Dockyard Chapel
    21/08/1704

    During the visit of Queen Anne the Dockyard men petitioned the Queen that it was too far for them to go to St. Mary’s at Fratton during the day... more information
  • 1704

    1704 - Launch of ROEBUCK
    05/04/1704

    The 5th April saw the launching from the Dockyard of the 5th rate ship Roebuck of 42 guns. She was re-built at Woolwich in 1733 and finally sunk at Sheerness to form... more information
  • 1704

    1704 - Capture of SQUIRREL
    28/10/1704

    28th October. The 6th rate ship Squirrel of 20 guns was launched from the Yard. She was captured by 3 French ships at the back of the Goodwin Sands on 7th July 1706;... more information
  • 1704

    1704 - Masthouse Built
    1704

    Between 1704-14 a Masthouse was built just inside the Gate (Victory Gate) on the waters edge, with a paved stone beach that formed a slipway. From a plan of that... more information
  • 1706

    1706 - Launch of NASSAU
    09/01/1706

    9th January. The 3rd rate ship Nassau of 70 guns was launched from the Dockyard, she was the same class as the Captain and Monmouth; broken up in 1736.
  • 1707

    1707 - Union of England & Scotland
    01/05/1707

    1st May. The Proclamation of the Union of England and Scotland, providing one Parliament and accepting the Hanoverian succession.
  • 1707

    1707 - Launch of HASTINGS
    02/10/1707

    2nd October. The 5th Rate ship Hastings of 44 guns was launched from the Yard; hulked in 1739 for Dockyard use and later sold in 1745 to a private buyer and converted into... more information
  • 1707

    1707 - Launch of TRUELOVE & UNITY
    22/11/1707

    22nd November. The Hoy Truelove was launched she was deleted after 1770. Also the Hoy Unity was launched from the Yard this year; she was discarded in 1773.
  • 1708

    1708 - Building of Porter’s Lodge
    1708

    Porter’s Lodge built beside Main Gate built. This is the Dockyard’s oldest recognised building. The employment of a Dockyard Porter was initiated in 1649 by the first Admiralty Commissioner,... more information
  • 1708

    1708 - Launch of CAPTAIN
    06/07/1708

    6th July. The 3rd rate ship Captain of 70 guns was launched. She was broken up in 1720.
  • 1708

    1708 - Launch of SAPPHIRE
    03/09/1708

    3rd September. The 4th rate ship Sapphire of 44 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was hulked in 1739 for Dockyard use and sold out of service in May 1745.
  • 1709

    1709 - Launch of BOLTON
    19/07/1709

    19th July. The armed yacht Bolton of 6 guns was launched. In 1763 she was found to be entirely decayed but in 1773 she was refitted for the young gentlemen of the Academy... more information
  • 1709

    1709 - Launch of BEDFORD GALLY
    24/08/1709

    24th August. The Bedford Gally was launched; she was a re-build of another vessel, she was later converted into a fire-ship and in 1725 expended as a breakwater.
  • 1709

    1709 - Launch of FOWEY
    07/12/1709

    7th December. The 5th rate ship Fowey of 40 guns was launched. She was re-rated as a 6th rate ship of 24 guns in 1744. Sold out of service in 1746.
  • 1710

    1710 - Construction of Paint Shop
    1710

    Brick-built Paint Shop, 36ft x 26ft, constructed at cost of £170.
  • 1711

    1711 - Fraud, Ships, Dockyard Employees & loss of EDGAR
    1711

    Thomas Ridge and James Dixon forced to admit fraud to a Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry over the supply of beer to the Navy. Ridge claimed to have delivered 124,400 barrels of... more information
  • 1711

    1711 - Completion of Dockyard Wall
    13/12/1711

    Dockyard Wall from Main Gate to Bonfire Corner completed at a cost of £1062. (See 1939-45). 3th December The Dockyard Wall and Main Gate (now Victory Gate) was declared complete by... more information
  • 1711

    1711 - Launch of SEAHORSE
    13/02/1711

    13th February. The Seahorse a 6th rate ship of 20 guns was launched. She was sold out of service in 1748.
  • 1711

    1711 - Launch of SOLEBAY
    21/08/1711

    21st August. The Solebay a 6th rate ship of 20 guns was launched; she had a chequered career as in 1726 she was converted into a bomb vessel with 3 mortars; in 1734 she... more information
  • 1711

    1711 - Launch of LAUNCESTON
    10/10/1711

    10th October. The 5th rate ship Launceston of 40 guns was launched. She was rebuilt in 1727 and re-named the Princess Louisa; she was wrecked on the Dutch coast on 29th December 1736.
  • 1711

    1711 - Launch of DOLPHIN
    07/06/1711

    7th June. The 5th rate ship Dolphin of 40 guns was launched, she was a re-build of another vessel; latter rated as a 20 guns, 6th rate ship, she was broken up... more information
  • 1712

    1712 - Kings Mill
    1712

    Kings Mill (SW end of Mill Pond) purchased by the Crown to supply flour to Naval bakeries. (See 1868).
  • 1712

    1712 - Launch of SUCCESS
    30/04/1712

    30th April. The 6th rate ship Success of 20 guns was launched; she was converted into a fire-ship in 1739 and broken up in 1743.
  • 1713

    1713 - Peace with France & Spain
    1713

    Royal Navy (at peace with France and Spain), consisted of 131 ships of the line and 116 other vessels (total 247) with a tonnage of just over 67,000 tons
  • 1715

    1715 Shortening of Long Storehouse & new Rigging House
    1715

    Long Storehouse had to be shortened for lack of repairs. New Rigging House built with additional storey for cordage room. It incorporated a clock cupola. Demolished after 1746.
  • 1716

    1716 - Map of Portsmouth
    1716

    Map of Portsmouth town and Dockyard by Edwards (PRO M PHH 67 (2)).
  • 1717

    1717 - The Parade (Long Row)
    1717

    The Parade (Long Row) built. It was said to have been the design of the Master Shipwright at the time, John Naish. To the rear of these buildings were long... more information
  • 1717

    1717 - Launch of NONSUCH
    29/04/1717

    29th April. The Nonsuch, a 4th rate ship of 50 guns, was launched; she was re-built from a former vessel. She was hulked in 1740.
  • 1718

    1718 - Statue of King William III
    1718

    Gilded statue of King William III. Richard Norton, who was the grandson and heir of Colonel Richard Norton (he was a supporter and friend of Oliver Cromwell), presented the Commissioner... more information
  • 1718

    1718 - Dockyard Regiment
    1718

    First volunteer Dockyard Regiment raised (See 1848).
  • 1718

    1718 - Launch of MONMOUTH
    03/06/1718

    3rd June. The 3rd rate ship Monmouth of 70 guns was launched from the yard; She was a rebuild using part from another vessel. Broken up in 1744.
  • 1721

    1721 - Launch of SPY
    09/10/1721

    9th October. The sloop Spy (Spye) of 8 guns was launched from the Yard. She was sold to a private buyer in 1731.
  • 1722

    1722 - Largest Dockyard
    1722

    Portsmouth Dockyard is the largest in the kingdom with 1099 workers. (See 1711,1730, 1759,1790 & 1822).
  • 1723

    1723 Construction of Shipwright’s Shed
    1723

    A 100ft x 19ft shed for shipwrights built for £20. (See 1737).
  • 1724

    1724 - Visit by Daniel Defoe
    1724

    Daniel Defoe visited the town and described the Dockyard – “The strength of the town is also considerably augmented on the land-side by fortifications raised in King William’s time about... more information
  • 1724

    1724 - Launch of SOUTHSEA CASTLE
    10/07/1724

    10th July. The Southsea Castle, a 5th rate ship of 40 guns, was launched from the Yard. She was a re-build from parts of another vessel. She was sold out of... more information
  • 1727

    1727 - 22 Acres added to Dockyard
    1727

    A further 22 acres added to the Dockyard with new brick built offices, houses, ropewalks and workshops to replace wooden buildings. This area was reclaimed from mudland.
  • 1729

    1729 - Visit of Stephen Martin-Leake
    01/1729

    In January Stephen Martin-Leake, Clerk to the Navy Pay Office visited Portsmouth and wrote “the dockyard is a fine place…more compact than any other (Dockyard) and the docks are... more information
  • 1729

    1729 - HAYLING
    1729

    Hayling (sometimes known as Heylin) was built in the Dockyard as a Hoy; Hoys were normally coastal cargo craft with a single mast, gaffed rigged and a single fore sail;... more information
  • 1730

    1729 - 1732 - ROYAL NAVAL ACADEMY
    08/05/1730

    Royal Naval Academy founded by George II. Built at a cost of £5,772. The foundation stone to the Royal Naval Academy was laid 8th May on the north side under the... more information
  • 1730

    1730 - Size of RN and the Dockyard, & Construction of Additional Building Slip
    1730

    Royal Navy had 124 ships of the line and 114 other craft (total 238). Dockyard employed 119 officers and 2318 men. Additional building slip created south east of theGreat Basin. (See 1700)
  • 1732

    1732 - Launch of CENTURION
    06/01/1732

    6th January. The 4th rate ship Centurion of 60 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was Anson’s flagship when he circumnavigated the world 1740-44. Anson was a post-captain at... more information
  • 1734

    1734 - Quay Gate
    1734

    Quay Gate (King Georges Gate) built at east side of the Camber. In c1860 most of this gate was destroyed but parts of it are supposed to have been incorporated... more information
  • 1737

    1737 - Larger Shed for Shipwrights
    1737

    Larger shed for shipwrights built at a cost of £210 (See 1723 & 1782).
  • 1738

    1738 - Launch of VICTORY
    23/02/1738

    23rd February. The 1st rate ship of the line Victory of 100 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was the last First Rate in the English navy to be armed... more information
  • 1739

    1739 - War of the Austrian Succession 1739-48
    1739

    Between August 1739 and September 1740 over 15,800 sick and wounded seamen were put ashore at Gosport and Plymouth. (See 1746)
  • 1740

    1740 - Henry Cort
    1740

    Henry Cort was born in Lancaster in 1740. Cort moved into Surrey Street in the Strand at London and found employment as an agent for the Royal Navy. It was while... more information
  • 1741

    1741 - Smitheries Enlarged
    1741

    Smitheries enlarged. Note the word Smithery is only used in Royal Dockyards. See Oxford English Dictionary (See 1779)
  • 1742

    1742 - Launch of PORTSMOUTH
    30/09/1742

    30th September. The yacht Portsmouth was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the Surveyor, Lock, possibly as the Commissioner’s Yacht; she was 59 feet 6 inches in length. In 1793... more information
  • 1744

    1744 - Loss of HMS VICTORY
    1744

    HMS “Victory”, Sir John Balchens flagship, wrecked off Alderney with the loss of the whole crew, many of whom came from Portsmouth. This 100 gun ship, originally called “Royal James” (See 1675)... more information
  • 1744

    1744 - Defences of Portsmouth
    1744

    Determined attempt to revise and re-build the defences of Portsmouth (Map of Portsmouth Town and Dockyard, showing interesting detail, by John Peter Desmaretz – British Library Maps K. Top. XIV.28).
  • 1744

    1744 - Launch of SUNDERLAND
    04/04/1744

    4th April. The 4th rate ship Sunderland of 58 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was a rebuilt ship and may have been the Sunderland that was built at Chatham... more information
  • 1745

    1745 - Rating of Ships
    1745

    Master Shipwrights in Dockyards ordered to consult and determine the dimensions for ships of each class (1st to 6th rates). Anthony Deane (See 1670) originally determined the size of the various... more information
  • 1745

    1745 - Launch of TILBURY
    20/07/1745

    20th July. The 4th rate ship Tilbury of 58 guns was launched from the Yard. She foundered in a hurricane off Louisbourg 24th September 1757.
  • 1746

    1746 - Haslar Hospital
    1746

    Construction of Haslar Hospital was commenced (See 1739/40) & 1755). Completed in 1761 it was the first purpose-built Naval Hospital.
  • 1747

    1747 - Battle of Finisterre
    06/1747

    First Battle of Finisterre in May with Admiral Anson bringing in 6 captured French warships and 6 merchantmen. Treasure was sent to London in 20 wagons. 31st October. 2nd Battle of Finisterre. Admiral... more information
  • 1747

    1747 - Tarring House
    1747

    Tarring House built to tar ropes. This building survived 1760 & 1770 fires. (See 1789).
  • 1747

    1747- Construction of Hilsea Lines
    1747

    First Hilsea Lines (including Portsbridge Redoubt) and Fort Cumberland (See 1794) commenced building.
  • 1747

    1747 - Portsmouth & Gosport Gazette
    02/06/1747

    2nd June. The first newspaper to be circulated in Portsmouth was the Portsmouth and Gosport Gazette. It was however a localized edition of the Salisbury Journal.
  • 1749

    1749 - Launch of WASP
    04/07/1749

    4th July. The 8 gun sloop Wasp was launched; she was designed for anti-smuggling duties; sold to a private buyer in January 1781.
  • 1749

    1749 - Launch of HAZARD
    03/10/1749

    3rd October. The Hazard an 8 gun sloop was launched she appears to have been a single class ship. She was sold to a private buyer in February 1783.
  • 1750

    1750 - Lord Hawk, Port Admiral
    1750

    1750-55. Lord Hawk was the Port Admiral at Portsmouth.
  • 1750

    1750 - Launch of GRAFTON
    29/08/1750

    29th August. The 3rd rate ship Grafton of 70 guns was launched. She saw action against the Spanish at Porto Nova in 1759 and again off Manilla in 1761. She was sold out... more information
  • 1750

    1750 - Launch of NEWCASTLE
    04/12/1750

    4th December. The 4th rate ship Newcastle of 50 guns was launched from the Yard. Saw action against the French at Sadras in the East Indies during 1758 and in the same... more information
  • 1752

    1752 - Launch of FLY
    09/04/1752

    9th April. The sloop Fly of 8 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She gave her name to a class of two vessels, the other being called Ranger. They were built... more information
  • 1753

    1753 - St Georges Church
    1753

    Dockyard shipwrights built St Georges Church, Portsea. (Damaged by bombs in 1941 it has been restored).
  • 1753

    1753 - Launch of CHICHESTER
    04/06/1753

    4th June. The Chichester a 3rd rate ship of 74 guns was launched from the yard; she was at the battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759 and she saw action against the... more information
  • 1754

    1754 - Report by Dr Richard Pococke
    1754

    Dr Richard Pococke mentions “a large brewhouse, bakehouse and cooperage for the Dock(yard) “in the town, he also mentions “a well in the Dock(yard) at which ships water”.... more information
  • 1754

    1754 - Launch of GIBRALTAR
    09/05/1754

    9th May. The 6th rate ship Gibraltar of 20 guns was launched from the yard; she was broken up at Portsmouth in 1773.
  • 1755

    1755 - Royal Marines to Portsmouth
    1755

    Royal Marines first came to Portsmouth and billeted in Hilsea Barracks. They moved to barracks in what is now Peacock Lane (originally Barrack Street) in 1783.
  • 1755

    1755 - Lisbon Earthquake
    03/11/1755

    3rd November. A great earthquake struck Lisbon, Portugal. Strangely this was felt in Portsmouth Dockyard but not in the town. At about half past ten in the morning, the vessel... more information
  • 1756

    1756 - Size of the Royal Navy
    1756

    The Royal Navy had 142 ships of the line and 162 other craft (total 296).
  • 1757

    1757 - Execution of Admiral Byng
    04/03/1757

    4th March. Execution of Admiral Byng on board HMS Monarque by firing squad at Spithead for failing to press home an attack on the French at Minorca in 1756. On the... more information
  • 1757

    1757 - Portsmouth Beer
    1757

    1757. We find an Admiral writing from his ship in Torbay declaring that the Plymouth beer was so bad that it employs the whole time of the seamen throwing it overboard.... more information
  • 1757

    1757 - Launch of NEPTUNE
    17/07/1757

    17th July. The Neptune a 2nd rate ship of 90 guns was launched from the yard. In 1784 she was converted to a sheer hulk in the Dockyard; being broken up in 1816.
  • 1757

    1757 - Launch of DORSETSHIRE
    13/12/1757

    13th December. The 3rd rate ship Dorsetshire of 70 guns was launched; she became a troopship in 1768 and was broken up in 1775.
  • 1758

    1758 Capture of FOUDROYANT
    1758

    Admiral Saunders arrived at Spithead with captured French ships “Foudroyant” (84 guns) and “Orpheus” (64 guns). 1,000 French prisoners of war were lodged in Portchester Castle. (Note: the above “Foudroyant” was wrecked on... more information
  • 1758

    1758 - Purchases by Naval Victualling Office
    1758

    The Navy Victualling Office was purchasing 800 hogs and 200 oxen a week which were processed into salted meat at the Victualling Yard. Hooves and offal were turned into portable soup for... more information
  • 1758

    1758 - Launch of CHATHAM
    25/04/1758

    25th April. The Chatham a 4th rate ship of 50 guns was launched from the yard. She became a convalescent ship at Plymouth, transferred to Falmouth in 1797, and in 1805 a floating... more information
  • 1759

    1759 - Destruction of Southsea Castle
    1759

    Large part of Southsea Castle destroyed by an explosion in the magazine (see c1538-1544, 1628) 2,099 men employed in Dockyard and another 689 employed for ships in reserve.
  • 1759

    1759 - Year of Victories
    1759

    Royal Navy had 127 ships of the line and 285 other craft (total 412). Admiral Hawke returned to Portsmouth after victory against the French at Quiberon Bay. (1759 is known as the “Year of... more information
  • 1760

    1760 - Fire in Dockyard
    03/07/1760

    3rd. July 1760 a fire broke out just after midnight in one of the major storehouses of the yard that contained large quantities of pitch, tar, turpentine and other combustible materials,... more information
  • 1761

    1761 - Belle Isle & Beer!
    1761

    Commodore Keppel sailed from Portsmouth to capture Belle Isle. Weevil Brewery atGosport, producing sufficient beer to supply the Navy.
  • 1762

    1762 - Capture of HEMIONE
    05/1762

    May. The Active in company with the Favourite captured the Spanish treasure ship Hemione that proved to be one of the richest prizes ever to be brought to Spithead. The... more information
  • 1762

    1762 - Launch of BRITANNIA
    19/10/1762

    19th October. The 1st rate ship Britannia of 100 guns was launched from the Dockyard after being 11 years on the slipway. She was a sister ship to the Royal George that... more information
  • 1763

    1763 - No. 11 Store Built
    1763

    No.11 store built (cost £7,598) and completed in 1766.
  • 1764

    1764 - Introduction of Pensions
    12/10/1764

    12th October. By Order of Council Pensions were paid to old and disabled shipwrights (see 1771).
  • 1764

    1764 - Plans for Development of the Dockyard
    1764

    In 1764, the Earl of Egmount who was head of the Admiralty proposed a plan of improvements for Portsmouth Dockyard, which was laid before the King and approved. In the plan... more information
    1764 - Plans for Development of the Dockyard
  • 1764

    1764 - Launch of ASIA
    03/03/1764

    3rd March. The 3rd rate ship Asia of 64 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was one of Slade’s designs and said to be the first of the true 64... more information
  • 1765

    1765 - Launch of VICTORY
    07/05/1765

    7th May. HMS “Victory” launched at Chatham after 6 years on the stocks. She is the 5th ship of that name (2,162 tons, 104 guns) The keel was laid on 23rd July 1759 in... more information
    1765 - Launch of VICTORY
  • 1765

    1765 - Establishment of Victualling Yard
    19/05/1765

    19th May. The victualling yard at Gosport was established. It would not be until 1st July 1831 that the Weevil Yard at Gosport would become the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard, Gosport.
  • 1766

    1766 - Barrel Making
    1766

    In 1766 the Board of Admiralty centralised all barrel making at Gosport and built a fine new Cooperage that was to last until the abolition of the navy rum issue on 3... more information
  • 1766

    1766 - Birth of John Pounds
    1766

    John Pounds born in St Mary’s Street (now Highbury Street). He worked in the Dockyard as a shipwright until he was crippled in an accident. He then set up... more information
  • 1767

    1767 - Launch of WARWICK
    1767

    28th February. The 4th rate ship Warwick of 50 guns was launched from the Yard. She became a stores and accommodation ship; she was sold to a private buyer in 1802.
  • 1767

    1767 - Launch of AJAX
    23/12/1767

    23rd December. The 3rd rate ship Ajax of 74 guns was launched. Her life was relatively short but very active, seeing action with the Spanish at Saint Vincent, the French off... more information
  • 1769

    1769 - Rebuilding of Great Stone Dock
    1769

    Stone Dock (see 1689) rebuilt and renamed North Basin Dock (now No 5 Dock).
    1769 - Rebuilding of Great Stone Dock
  • 1769

    1769 - Priddys Hard
    1769

    Work started on new munitions depot at Priddys Hard, Gosport. Buildings were completed by 1773. (Magazine and Hard exist. See 1777.)
  • 1769

    1769 - Launches of WORCESTER & ELIZABETH
    17/10/1769

    17th October. Two ships were launched from the Dockyard this year and on the same day. The first was the Worcester, a 3rd rate ship of 64 gun designed by Slade;... more information
  • 1770

    1770 - Building of Portsea Ramparts
    1770

    Ramparts and moats encircling Portsea commenced building (see 1860).
  • 1770

    1770 - Fire in the Dockyard
    27/07/1770

    27th July. At about 5 o’clock on the morning of 27th July 1770 a sentinel on duty in Dockyard discovered a fire that had burst into life in the middle of... more information
  • 1771

    1771 - Size of the Fleet
    1771

    Royal Navy had 134 ships of the line and 226 other craft (total 360).
  • 1771

    1771 - Construction of New Ropehouse
    1771

    In 1771 the new Rope House was built. In shipbuilding of the last century the prime movers of the dockyard were the Shipwright, Engineering and Electrical; but in 1771 it was the... more information
    1771 - Construction of New Ropehouse
  • 1771

    1771 - Dockyard Pension Scheme Extended
    25/09/1771

    25th September. Dockyard Pension scheme extended to all crafts (see 1764).
  • 1771

    1771 - Launch of FALCON
    15/06/1771

    15th June. The 14 gun sloop Falcon was launched from the Yard. She was scuttled as a block ship at Narrangansett Bay on 5th August 1778; raised but foundered when trying to... more information
  • 1772

    1772 - No. 4 Dock Opened
    1772

    No.4 Dock opened. Dockyard area at this date was 66 acres.
    1772 - No. 4 Dock Opened
  • 1773

    1773 - Priddys Hard Ordnance Depot
    1773

    Priddys Hard Ordnance Deport largely completed at Gosport (see 1769). At about this date Square Tower ceased use as a magazine and was adapted for use as a meat store in 1779.
  • 1773

    1773 - King George III Fleet Review
    22/06/1773

    22nd June. King George III reviewed fleet at Spithead and inspected the Dockyard; he was saluted by 232 guns. He was welcomed by the Dockyard men, who wore green boughs in... more information
  • 1773

    1773 - Stonework around the Camber Dock
    27/08/1773

    August 27th. James Templar & Thomas Parlby were contracted to carry out and complete all wharfs to the Camber, Mast Pond piers and to deepen it, setting stone in terras... more information
  • 1773

    1773 - Launch of PRINCESS
    18/10/1773

    18th October. The 2nd rate ship Princess Royal of 90 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was reduced to 74 guns in 1800 and was broken up at Portsmouth in 1811.
  • 1774

    1774 - Size of the Fleet
    1774

    Royal Navy employed 17,731 men. By 1783 this had risen to 107,446.
  • 1774

    1774 - Size of the Dockyard
    14/01/1774

    The value of work performed at the Camber between 16th May 1774 & 27th September 1776 was £14493. 11s. 10d. 14th January. census of the yard showed that on the 14th January 1774 there... more information
  • 1775

    1775 - Employees & Strikes!
    1775

    2,500 workers employed in the dockyard (see 1759). Two strikes by Dockyard shipwrights.
  • 1775

    1775 - Captain James Cook
    1775

    July 30th. Captain Cook in “Resolution” returned to Portsmouth after circumnavigating the world.
  • 1775

    1775 - Launch of BERWICK
    18/04/1775

    18th April. The 3rd rate ship of 74 guns, Berwick was launched from the Dockyard. She had a unhappy career when, being damaged during a storm in the Mediterranean and was... more information
  • 1775

    1775 - Launch of SPHINX
    25/10/1775

    25th October. The 20 gun frigate Sphinx was launched. She was briefly fitted as a bomb vessel in 1778 and was broken up at Portsmouth in 1811.
  • 1776

    1776 - Jack the Painter
    06/12/1776

    7th December. John The Painter. At about 4 o’clock in the afternoon a fire broke out in the Dockyard by which the whole of the Great Double Rope House was... more information
  • 1776

    1776 - Explosion in HMS MARLBOROUGH
    1776

    Explosion about HMS “Marlborough” in harbour killed 18 men, women and children.
  • 1776

    1776 - Launch of CYGNET
    24/01/1776

    24th January. The 14 gun sloop Cygnet was launched. She was sold to a private buyer in 1802.
  • 1776

    1776 - Storekeeper’s House at Priddys Hard
    1776

    Storekeepers House built at Priddys Hard, Gosport (see 1769).
  • 1776

    1776 - Launch of SWIFT
    09/01/1776

    9th January. Saw the launching of the 14 gun sloop Swift. She caught fire and was wrecked off Cape Henry in November of the following year.
  • 1777

    1777 - Size of the Fleet
    1777

    Royal Navy had 121 ships of the line and 271 other vessels (total 396). By the following year there were 131 ships of the line and 319 other craft (total 450).
  • 1777

    1777 - No. 10 Storehouse & Other Dockyard Works
    18/02/1777

    18th February. The contract was signed between Messrs Templar and Templar, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for erecting the Middle Storehouse (No.10) and to take in hand the... more information
  • 1777

    1777 - Launch of LION
    03/09/1777

    3rd September. The 3rd rate, 64 gun ship Lion that had been built to the design of Slade, was launched from the Dockyard. She saw much service in the Far East... more information
  • 1778

    1778 - Visit by King George III
    04/06/1778

    4th May. George III and Queen Charlotte came to Portsmouth on a five day visit during which they inspected the Dockyard and reviewed the fleet. To celebrate the King’s... more information
  • 1778

    1778 - No. 17 Store & New Rigging House Built
    1778

    No. 17 Store built. New Rigging House on west side of Camber was commenced, it ran parallel to 9, 10 & 11 Stores on the east side of the Camber. The building was complete... more information
  • 1779

    1779 - Prince William Joins the RN
    1779

    Prince William Henry (later William IV) joined the Navy at Portsmouth as a midshipman. (See 1801).
  • 1779

    1779 - Smithery Altered
    1779

    Smithery considerably altered at a cost of £2,219 (see 1741).
  • 1779

    1779 - Cape St. Vincent
    1779

    Admiral Sir George Rodney sailed from Portsmouth and won a decisive victory over the Spanish fleet off Cape St Vincent in 1780.
  • 1780

    1780 - Enlargement of the Dockyard
    24/04/1780

    24th April. Began driving piles for Enlargement of Dockyard by 15 acres.The value of work performed at the Camber between 1780 1784; digging foundations and pumping etc. was £20807. 19s. 3d. In 1785 works... more information
  • 1781

    1781 - Launch of CROCODILE
    24/04/1781

    24th April. The 24 gun ship Crocodile was launched from the Yard. She was lost off Start Point coming home from the East Indies in 1784.
  • 1781

    1781 - Launch of EURYDICE
    26/03/1781

    26th March. The launching of the 24 gun ship Eurydice. She was broken up in 1834.
  • 1781

    1781 - Launch of WARRIOR
    18/10/1781

    18th October. The 3rd rate ship of the line Warrior was launched from the Yard. After a distinguished fighting career she was hulked and converted into a receiving ship at... more information
  • 1782

    1782 - Dockyard Development
    1782

    1782. Eight fine buildings were in the course of building as storehouses and workshops. These were sited in pairs too the northwest and southwest of Long Row with the timber berth... more information
  • 1782

    1782 - Size of the Fleet
    1782

    Royal Navy had 161 ships of the line and 439 other vessels (total 600).
  • 1782

    1782 - Loss of ROYAL GEORGE
    29/08/1782

    29th August. “Royal George” (100 guns) being on the heel overset and sank at Spithead with the loss of Admiral Kempenfelt, most of the crew, families and traders who were aboard... more information
  • 1782

    1782 - Fire & Works
    1782

    Serious fire at the Hard destroyed several houses. 1782-4. Works to the Boat Channel, Slipway etc. £2146. 9s. 2d. 1783 & 1784. Works to the Wharfs at Watering Island £8131. 5s. 10d. Wharfs at... more information
  • 1782

    1782 - David Tyrie, Traitor
    14/08/1782

    14th August. A David Tyrie, who being a Civil Servant in the Portsmouth Navy Office was observed, by a woman’s curiosity, transacting the sale of vital information to the... more information
  • 1783

    1783 - Kings Stairs Built
    1783

    Kings Stairs built about this date.
  • 1784

    1784 - Long Store House Enlarged
    1784

    Long Storehouse in King Street (see 1557) reconstructed and enlarged. (See 1557, 1576, 1828)
  • 1785

    1785 - LEOPARD
    05/1785

    May. The 50 gun ship Leopard that had been laid down in January 1776 was taken to pieces and transported to Sheerness and reassembled, she was launched there on 24th April 1790.
  • 1785

    1785 - Pilfering
    1785

    To stop pilfering the Admiralty issued the following order: No persons is to pass out of the Dock Gate with great coats, large trousers or any other dress that may... more information
  • 1785

    1785 - Commissioners House (Admiralty House)
    1785

    Work started on The Commissioner’s Residence, later known as Admiralty House. Designed by Samuel Wyatt. The Admiralty Clerk of Works was Thomas Telford. The house was used by Emperor... more information
    1785 - Commissioners House (Admiralty House)
  • 1785

    1785 - St. Ann’s Church
    1785

    St Ann’s Church built in 8 months to the design of John Marquand. The Admiralty Surveyor, Thomas Telford, was appointed Clerk of Works for the job and the builders were... more information
    1785 - St. Ann’s Church
  • 1785

    1785 - Wharfs
    1785

    Wharfs in front of the Boathouse £960. Wharfs at the South end if the Boat Pond £480.
  • 1785

    1785 - Launch of ST. GEORGE
    05/10/1785

    5th October. Saw the 2nd rate ship St. George of 98 guns launched from the Yard. She was with Lord Nelson at Copenhagen in 1801. On Christmas Eve 1811, while returning from the... more information
  • 1786

    1786 - St Ann’s Church
    08/01/1786

    8th January. The last service in St. Ann’s church conducted by the Rev. Mr. Bayley. By the 10th March the old church was pulled down. 4th February. The New... more information
  • 1786

    1786 - South Office Block
    1786

    1786 saw the completion of the yard’s first purpose built Offices which to-day is the west-wing of the South Office Block and is the earliest surviving naval office block; these... more information
    1786 - South Office Block
  • 1786

    1786 - Size of the Fleet
    1786

    Royal Navy now 149 ships of the line and 322 other craft (total 471).
  • 1786

    1786 - Convicts’ Revolt
    1786

    Revolt amongst convicts on hulks in Portsmouth Harbour was not subdued until 8 had been shot dead and 36 wounded.
  • 1786

    1786 - Mast Pond & Other Works
    1786

    Stone piers for new Mast Pond. £4320. Stone Wharfs at the East end of the Boat Pond: Exclusive of discount £2886. Works to Offices, Joiners and shop and Saw pits £960.
  • 1787

    1787 - The First Fleet
    13/05/1787

    13th May. “First Fleet” of 13 ships including flagship HMS “Sirius” (see 1939-45) sailed for Australia.They arrived at Botany Bay and then moved to Sydney Cove where the first European... more information
  • 1787

    1787 - Shipwrights & Sawyers
    1787

    The Dockyard employed 752 shipwrights and 134 sawyers.
  • 1787

    1787 - Short Row
    1787

    Short Row (1786-87), Georgian houses built for Dockyard officers and situated in the apex of the trace of the old de Gomme fortifications at what was known as Bonfire Corner.... more information
    1787 - Short Row
  • 1787

    1787 - HMS BOUNTY
    1787

    Captain Bligh in command of HMS “Bounty” sailed from Portsmouth. The crew mutinied in the South Seas and Bligh sailed an open boat with 18 loyal crew to Timor (3,618 miles). Three... more information
  • 1787

    1787 - Wharfs
    1787

    Wharf North side of the new Mast Pond (South wall) £4483. For works continuing £3496. 4s. 6d.
  • 1788

    1788 - Eastern Part of South Office Block
    1788

    The eastern half of South Office Block built as stores (now offices). The designer was said to have been George White, Master Shipwright; the design was dictated by the western... more information
    1788 - Eastern Part of South Office Block
  • 1789

    1789 - Tarring House Enlarged
    1789

    Tarring House enlarged.
  • 1789

    1789 - Launch of SERPENT
    03/12/1789

    3rd December. The Hound class sloop Serpent was launched. She was originally to be called Porcupine. She Foundered in the West Indies September 1806 with the loss of all hands.
  • 1790

    1790 - Launch of FURY
    1790

    2nd March. Saw the launching of the second Hound class sloop Fury of 16 guns from the Yard she was later converted into a bomb vessel in 1798 and saw service in... more information
  • 1790

    1790 - No.1 Dock
    11/08/1790

    11th August. New Dock proposed. The South pier and dam of new Dock (No. 1 Dry Dock) £3330. 2s. 2d. Works to stone wharf adjacent to new dock commenced.
    1790 - No.1 Dock
  • 1790

    1790 - Size of the Dockyard
    1790

    Dockyard employees numbered 130 officers and 2,033 men (see 1722, 1775).
  • 1791

    1791 - Dockyard Works
    1791

    Store £252. 15s. 8d. Boat House Channel wharfs etc. £2832. 16s. 4d. Works to the North side of the Reservoir £7639. 14s. 4d. Works continued £315. 14s. 8d. Expense of the stone wharf and... more information
  • 1792

    1792 - Portsea & Dockyard Works
    1792

    Portsmouth Common renamed Portsea (see 1703).Wharfs continued with the formation of a dam £1683. 8s. 9d. to New Dock. Mast house slip £265. 19s. 4d. 3rd March. Began setting Portland stone for... more information
  • 1793

    1793 - Size of the Fleet
    1793

    Royal Navy had 113 ships of the line and 191 other vessels (total 304).
  • 1793

    1793 - Launch of SWIFT
    05/10/1793

    5th October. The Hawk class sloop Swift was launched from the yard. She foundered in the China Sea during a typhoon while escorting a convoy, April 1798, with the loss of... more information
  • 1793

    1793 - Wharfs
    1793

    Wharfs of the new pond £2085. 16s. 8d. Wharfs of the inner Mast Pond £3561. 16s.
  • 1794

    1794 - The Glorious First of June
    01/06/1794

    Admiral Lord Howe fought the Battle called the “Glorious 1st of June” off Brittany capturing 6 French ships and sinking one. He returned to Portsmouth with 6 prizes and was inspected by... more information
  • 1794

    1794 - Launch of HMS PRINCE OF WALES
    28/06/1794

    28th June. King George III and Queen Charlotte visited Portsmouth to launch HMS “Prince of Wales” of 98 guns. She had been laid down nearly 10 years earlier. After the launch the... more information
  • 1794

    1794 - Dockyard Works
    1794

    Single storey brick Block-makers Shop built (see 1802). Wharfs of the inner Mast Pond £4390. 11s. 8d. North wall of the new Mast Pond £1689. 7s. 2d. Boat House Channel £82. 9s. 6d.
  • 1795

    1795 - Description of Portsmouth
    1795

    Dr. George Pinckard’s description of Portsmouth. “But here hordes of pollinating females are seen reeling in drunkenness or plying upon the streets with a broad modesty which puts the... more information
  • 1795

    1795 - Sir Samuel Bentham (1757 - 1831)
    1795

    General Sir Samuel Bentham (1757-1831) Knight of the Order of Saint George. In all probability no one has left their mark on Portsmouth Dockyard as firmly stamped as Samuel Bentham.... more information
  • 1795

    1795 - Great Ship Basin
    29/05/1795

    29th May. Brigade General Sir Samuel Bentham proposes his plans to enlarge the Great Ship Basin . 8th October. The Admiralty orders works to be carried to General Bentham’s plan.
    1795 - Great Ship Basin
  • 1795

    1795 - Semaphore Service
    1795

    16th July. Sir Charles Saxton, the Commissioner, wrote to the Navy Board that experiments were in hand for the establishment of a semaphore service to communicate with London. The stations... more information
  • 1795

    1795 - Loss of BOYNE
    01/04/1795

    1st May“. The Boyne” (98 guns) blew up and sank at Spithead. Towards noon it was learnt in Portsmouth that the Boyne commanded by the Hon. George Grey was on fire... more information
  • 1795

    1795 - Boat House Channel & Mast Pond Work
    1795

    Boat House Channel continued £274. 15s. Works to the inner Mast Pond £467. 11s. 6d. Dwarf wall and slips to the outer mast pond £1400. 16s. 9d. North Wall to the same £1272. 6s. ... more information
  • 1796

    1796 - Elevated Water Tank & Other Dockyard Works
    20/03/1796

    20th March. Work started on the Elevated Water Tank for securing the yard from fire, the apparatus was designed and erected by Sir Samuel Bentham and consisted of an elevated... more information
  • 1797

    1797 - Naval Mutiny at Spithead
    15/04/1797

    15th April. Naval Mutiny at Spithead. The mutiny broke out aboard Lord Bridport’s flagship Queen Charlotte at Spithead, lasting until the 15th May. It spread to the Nore on... more information
  • 1797

    1797 - Armoury at Gunwharf
    1797

    The Armoury built at Gunwharf.
  • 1797

    1797 - Dockyard Works
    1797

    Dockyard Works continue. £19839. 18s. 2d. To Docks and Basin. Wharfs and slips on the South side of the Boat house channel £1349. 10s. North side of the new Mast Pond £657. 1s. ... more information
  • 1797

    1797 - First Steam Engine
    21/12/1797

    21st December. Sir Samuel Bentham completes and signs a drawing of a 12 hose-power Sadler engine which was said to have been invented by James Sadler, the chemist on Bentham’s... more information
  • 1798

    1798 - Dockyard Pay Office Built
    1798

    Pay Office built and was accredited to Sir Samuel Bentham. It was the first fire-proof building in the Dockyard and is an early example of the mixture of brick and... more information
  • 1798

    1798 - Dockyard Works to Bentham Plans
    1798

    Work continues to General Bentham’s plan. The dam opposite the entrance to the basin, in order of formation from 24th Sept. to 25th Oct. 1798 - £22149.14s. 2d. Bentham planned... more information
  • 1799

    1799 - Dockyard Works
    1799

    No. 2 Boathouse built. Work continues to the South dock (No. 1 Dry Dock) (£25,000 being voted by Parliament). £3548. 0s. 4d. March 11th. The first stone was laid to the invert arch for... more information
  • 1800

    1800 - Dockyard Works
    1800

    Strong north westerly storm drove 8 vessels ashore and damaged 41 others locally. Basin removing earth, cleaning masonry and constructing a dam to complete the granite walls £1185. 5s. 10d. Works to the... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Size of the Fleet
    1801

    Royal Navy with 180 ships of line and 684 other vessels (Total 864).
  • 1801

    1801 - Brunel Block-making Machinery
    1801

    Marc Brunel patented his block making machinery (see 1802).
  • 1801

    1801 - Boulton & Watt Engines
    11/04/1801

    11th April. The new Boulton and Watt engines for pumping docks set to work. It could pump 20 tons of water a minute.
  • 1801

    1801 - Launch of DREADNOUGHT
    13/06/1801

    13th June.“Dreadnought”, 98 guns (see 1742 and 1906) launched after 13 years on the stocks in the Dockyard. She was designed by Sir John Henslow. She took part in the battle of Trafalgar... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Artificers’ Riot
    1801

    170 artificers discharged for involvement in riots.
  • 1801

    1801 - Great Ship Basin
    12/06/1801

    12th June. Great Ship Basin (see 1698) enlarged by Sir Samuel Bentham and opened with the first practicable caisson at its entrance. HMS Britannia was said to be the first ship... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Nelson Sails for Copenhagen
    1801

    Rear Admiral Nelson aboard “St George” sailed for the Battle of Copenhagen. (See 1783,1797 & 1803).
  • 1801

    1801 - “Chips” Forbidden
    01/07/1801

    1st July. “Chips” (removal of scraps of wood) forbidden and sixpence paid in lieu to Shipwrights, their apprentices 4 pence a day during the first four years of their apprenticeship and 6... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Naval Wardens
    26/10/1801

    26th October. Naval Lieutenants take over the duties of the Porter and are styled Wardens.
  • 1801

    1801 - New Dockyard Water Supply
    27/10/1801

    27th October. Bentham proposes the New Water Supply for the Dockyard. The old system could not cope with the new demand of a growing fleet and the thirsty steam engines.... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Dockyard Works
    1801

    Works to the South Dock (No. 2 Dry Dock) in the Great Basin and drains - £9663. 1s. 4d. Works to the new South East Dock (No. 3 Dock) in the Great Basin... more information
  • 1801

    1801 - Dockyard Chain Barrier
    1801

    Ye Mighty Chaine of Yron. Mottley’s guide of 1801 says: “The enemy can be stopped by a chain that always lies at the bottom ready to be immediately raised and... more information
  • 1802

    1802 - No. 2 Dock Completed
    1802

    No. 2 Dock completed (berth of HMS “Victory” since 1922 ) In the recent war 6 ships of the line and 53 smaller vessels were lost. The Royal Navy took 89 ships of the line 481 other... more information
    1802 - No. 2 Dock Completed
  • 1802

    1802 - HMS TEMERAIRE Mutiny
    01/1802

    Thirteen “Temeraire” mutineers hanged from ships in harbour in January. A principal ringleader was hanged in April. Altogether 60 mutineers were caught and most were hanged.
  • 1802

    1802 - Launch of GRAMPUS
    20/03/1802

    20th March. The 50 gun ship Grampus was launched from the Dockyard. Originally she was going to be named Tiger; she was hulked in 1820 to become a hospital ship on the... more information
  • 1802

    1802 - Steam Dredger
    11/04/1802

    11th April. The World’s first Steam dredger was launched; designed and built in Portsmouth by Sir Samuel Bentham. (Generally it is thought that Simon Goodrich, the machinist of Bentham... more information
  • 1802

    1802 - The Block Mills
    14/04/1802

    14th April. Admiralty ordered the Navy Board to proceed with the construction of the Wood Mill to Benthams design at an estimated cost of £8,827. This was the first steam-powered Wood... more information
  • 1802

    1802 - No.1 Basin Opened
    27/12/1802

    27th December. No.1 Basin was opened. Works of Docks continuing £193. 5s. 10d. The docks being in the year widened. These docks are intended for the reception of Frigates and smaller... more information
  • 1803

    1803 - Napoleonic War
    1803

    Hot Press collected 500 able seamen. Dockyard men ordered to work extra time and all volunteered for service in the militia.
  • 1803

    1803 - No. 3 & 4 Docks Opened
    1803

    Nos. 3 and 4 Docks opened (see 1825 and 1772)
    1803 - No. 3 & 4 Docks Opened
  • 1803

    1803 - Tunnel from South East Dock to Mast Pond
    1803

    The tunnel and drain from the South East Dock to the Mast Pond now in progress. This culvert is still in being although now blocked off from the Mast Pond.
    1803 - Tunnel from South East Dock to Mast Pond
  • 1805

    1805 - Nelson & Trafalgar
    14/09/1805

    14th September. Admiral Lord Nelson embarked from the beach near Spur Redoubt and sailed to battle off Cape Trafalgar aboard HMS “Victory”, where he was mortally wounded by a sharpshooter... more information
  • 1805

    1805 - Size of the Fleet
    1805

    Royal Navy had 175 ships of the line and 774 other vessels (total 949).
  • 1806

    1806 - Birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
    1806

    Isambard Kingdom Brunel, son of Marc Isambard Brunel, born on 9th April in Britain Street, Portsea. (See 1802).
  • 1806

    1806 - Launch of ALEXANDRIA
    1806

    18th February. The 32 gun frigate Alexandria was launched from the Yard. She was the last of the Thames class to be built. These ships were built of fir and did... more information
  • 1807

    1807 - Launch of BULWARK
    23/04/1807

    23rd April. The 76 gun ship Bulwark, (ex Scipio) designed by Sir W. Rule was launched from the Dockyard. She was broken up at Portsmouth in 1826.
  • 1807

    1807 - Block Mills Capacity
    10/10/1807

    3rd September. Marc Brunel reports to Simon Goodrich that by the 10th October 1807 the Wood-Mill (Block Mills) would be able to supply all the blocks required by the navy.
  • 1807

    1807 - John Dickens Starts Work in Dockyard
    1807

    John Dickens started work as a pay clerk in the Pay Office in the Dockyard (see 1812).
  • 1808

    1808 - Launch of BRAZEN
    26/05/1808

    26th May. The 26 gun sloop Brazen was launched from the Yard. She became a floating Church ship on the Thames during 1828 and was broken up 1849.
  • 1808

    1808 - Launch of PODARGUS
    26/05/1808

    26th May. The brig Podargus of 16 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was designed by the Surveyor of the Navy and built by Dockyard shipwright apprentices. She became a... more information
  • 1809

    1809 - Launch of ZEPHYR
    28/04/1809

    28th April. The 16 gun brig Zephyr launched; she was similar to the Podargus and was also built by Dockyard shipwright apprentices. She was sold in 1818 and broken up.
  • 1809

    1809 - AUGUSTA Cancelled
    1809

    The 74 gun 3rd. Rate Ship Augusta that had been laid down in 1806 was cancelled and broken up on the slipway.
  • 1810

    1810 - Launch of PYRAMUS
    20/01/1810

    20th. January. The launch of the 42 gun frigate Pyramus from the Yard. She was originally to be built by Greenwood &Kidwell of Itchenor but the frames were transferred to... more information
  • 1810

    1810 - Launch of PRIMROSE
    20/01/1810

    20th January. The Primrose an 18 gun brig that had been built Dockyard shipwright apprentices was launched from the Yard. She was broken up in 1832
  • 1810

    1810 - Launch of BOYNE
    03/07/1810

    3rd July. The 98 gun ship Boyne was launched from the Dockyard. She had been built to the lines of Victory. Boyne became a gunnery training ship at Portsmouth in 1834. In 1859... more information
  • 1811

    1811 - School of Naval Architecture
    1811

    First School of Naval Architecture founded in the dockyard.
  • 1811

    1811 - Grand Storehouse Begun
    1811

    Grand Storehouse, Ordnance Wharf (within HMS “Vernon”) started. Completed 1814. One wing destroyed by bombing in 1940.
  • 1811

    1811 - Launch of HERMES
    08/07/1811

    8th July. The 20 gun sloop Hermes that had been built by apprentices was launched. After completing she took part in the naval war with America. 1812-14. On 15th September 1814, in... more information
  • 1812

    1812 - Birth of Charles Dickens
    07/02/1812

    Charles Dickens born 7th February at 387 Mile End Terrace (now a museum at 393 Old Commercial Road). John and Elizabeth Dickens had settled here in 1809 but soon had to move to... more information
  • 1812

    1812 - Launch of CHILDERS
    08/07/1812

    8th July. Childers an 18 gun brig was launched she also had been built by dockyard apprentices. She was broken up in 1822.
  • 1812

    1812 - Launch of LACEDEMONIAN
    21/12/1812

    21st December. The 46 gun frigate Lacedemonian was launched from the Dockyard. She was broken up at Portsmouth in 1822 and was one of the Leda class frigates, which was one of... more information
  • 1813

    1813 - Launch of GRASSHOPPER
    17/05/1813

    17th May. The 18 gun brig Grasshopper built by Dockyard apprentices was launched from the Yard. She was sold to a private buyer and broken up in 1832.
  • 1813

    1813 - Launch of VINDICTIVE
    23/11/1813

    23rd November. The launching of the 72 gun ship Vindictive from Portsmouth. She was cut down to a 50 gun ship in 1833 and hulked in 1862, becoming a stores ship at Fernando Po... more information
  • 1813

    1813 - Improvement of Hilsea Lines
    1813

    Improvement of Hilsea Lines at cost of £90,000 commenced (see 1747).
  • 1813

    1813 - Size of the Dockyard
    09/1813

    In September there were 3,582 dockyard men of which 1,330 were shipwrights.
  • 1813

    1813 - French Prisoners of War
    1813

    By this date 18,000 French Prisoners of War were confined on hulks in the harbour, or at Portchester Castle (see 1816).
  • 1814

    1814 - Launch of ICARUS
    18/08/1814

    18th August. Another product from the Dockyard apprentices was launched in the shape of an 18 gun brig Icarus. She was one of the Cherokee class brigs and, between 1807 and 1830, 115 of... more information
  • 1814

    1814 - A Royal Inspection
    1814

    The Prince Regent, the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia inspected the Dockyard and reviewed a squadron of 15 ships of the line at Spithead. This was the last... more information
  • 1815

    1815 - First Steamship in Portsmouth
    09/06/1815

    9th June. The first visit of a steamship to Portsmouth. She was a vessel of 75 tons with a 14 horse power engine that enabled her to reach a speed of 8 knots.
  • 1815

    1815 - Battle of Waterloo
    18/06/1815

    18th June. The Battle of Waterloo ended war with France.
  • 1815

    1815 - Size of Dockyard & Pension Society Founded
    1815

    Dockyard employed 217 officers and 3,916 men. Dockyard Pension society for widows and orphans founded by dockyard men.
  • 1816

    1816 - Post War Discharge of Personnel
    1816

    Three hundred artificers were discharge from the Dockyard in March, and 30 ships were ordered to be broken up. In August the distress in the Town was so great that it... more information
  • 1816

    1816 - Launches of PITT & PALLAS
    13/04/1816

    13th April. The 74 gun ship Pitt was launched from the Yard. Being one of the “FortyThieves” ( Armada class). She never went to sea; in 1853 she was converted to a coal... more information
  • 1816

    1816 - School of Naval Architecture Opened
    1816

    School of Naval Architecture for the Superior Class of Shipwright Apprentices, was opened. It was designed by Edmund Hall and built at a cost of £16,000. Professor Inman was the President... more information
    1816 - School of Naval Architecture Opened
  • 1816

    1816 - HMS VICTORY Moored in Portsmouth Harbour
    1816

    HMS “Victory” moored in Portsmouth Harbour. (See 1765, 1903 & 1922).
    1816 - HMS VICTORY Moored in Portsmouth Harbour
  • 1817

    1817 - Wages reduced to Peacetime Standards
    01/01/1817

    Dockyard men’s wages reduced to peacetime standards. Shipwrights pay reduced by 6d a day. 52 rope makers offered work as labourers but later restored. Reductions in rope makers due to... more information
  • 1818

    1818 - Launch of WATERLOO
    16/10/1818

    16th October. The launch of the 84 gun ship Waterloo from Portsmouth Dockyard. A contemporary writer records: “Dear to the patriotic feelings of every Englishman - it must have been on... more information
  • 1819

    1819 - Visit by Grand Duke Maximilian of Austria
    04/01/1819

    4th January. The Grand Duke Maximilian of Austria, and his suite, visited the Rope-house. When one of the suite, a Count Hardigg, placed his hand on the fibres being twisted... more information
  • 1819

    1819 - Launch of CYGNET
    11/05/1819

    11th May. The Cherokee class brig Cygnet was launched from the Yard; she became a packet in 1824 and later sold out of service in 1835.
  • 1819

    1819 - Launch of DELIGHT
    10/06/1819

    10th June. Saw the launching of the 10 gun brig Delight. She was another of the numerous Cherokee brigs. Sadly she was caught in a storm off the Isle de France... more information
  • 1820

    1820 - Southsea Castle Lighthouse
    1820

    At about this date the lighthouse was built at Southsea Castle.
  • 1820

    1820 - Launch of PRINCE REGENT
    30/05/1820

    30th May. The Prince Regent had a 3 gun yacht designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth was launched; she was presented to the Imam of Muscat in 1836.
  • 1820

    1820 - Launch of MINERVA
    13/06/1820

    13th June. Launching of the 46 gun frigate Minerva from the Yard. She was said to have been the first rounded stern frigate built in England. She was never completed for... more information
  • 1820

    1820 - Launch of JASPER
    13/10/1820

    26th July. The 10 gun brig Jasper was launched. She was wrecked on 13th October 1828, on the Isle of Santa Maura in the Mediterranean, her crew were saved.
  • 1820

    1820 - Launch of BRITOMART
    24/08/1820

    24th August. Another 10 gun brig of the Cherokee class named Britomart was launched; she was broken up in 1842.
  • 1820

    1820 - Launch of RANGER
    07/12/1820

    7th December. The 6th Rate 28 gun Sloop Ranger was launched from the Dockyard: she had been designed by the Surveyors of the Navy. She was sold at Plymouth in 1832.
  • 1821

    1821 - More Dockyard Lay-offs
    1821

    550 Dockyard men laid off (see 1816 and 1822). Employees remaining were 3,500.
  • 1821

    1821 - Launch of MARTIN
    18/05/1821

    18th May. The 20 gun sloop Martin was launched, she foundered off the Cape of Good Hope in 1827 with the loss of all hands.
  • 1821

    1821 - Launch of ROSE
    01/06/1821

    1st June. The 16 gun brig Rose was launched from the Yard; she was designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth. She was broken up at Chatham in 1851.
  • 1821

    1821 - Launch of PLOVER
    30/06/1821

    30th June. The 10 gun brig Plover was launched. She became a Falmouth packet, converted to a lazaretto (quarantine station) in 1836 and sold in 1854.
  • 1821

    1821 - Launch of FERRET
    12/10/1821

    12th October. The Cherokee class 10 gun brig Ferret was launched, she was sold in 1837.
  • 1822

    1822 - Dockyard Re-organised with Major Redundancies
    1822

    Dockyard re-organised and labour force reduced to 2,200 (see 1722, 1775, 1790 and 1837). 900 Dockyard men laid off. The ancient offices of the Clerk of the Survey, Clerk of the Ropeyard (see 1545) Master Mast Maker,... more information
  • 1822

    1822 - Semaphore Tower Erected
    1822

    Semaphore Tower erected on Square Tower to communicate with the Admiralty in London via a series of stations. The Semaphore was dismantled in 1848 and moved to Southsea Common. (see 1778 – 1795).
  • 1822

    1822 - First Steam Vessels in Use
    1822

    First steam vessels for use in Portsmouth Harbour, “Cornet”, which was used as a tug and survey vessel; and “Mercury” tug.
  • 1823

    1823 - Launch of ARROW
    20/03/1823

    This was a good year for the Dockyard and saw 5 ships launched, the first being on 20th March - the 10 gun cutter Arrow. She was broken up at Portsmouth in 1852.
  • 1823

    1823 - Launch of TWEED
    04/04/1823

    4th April. The 26 gun ship Tweed. She was razeed at Portsmouth into a 20 gun corvette 1831 and later broken up at Devonport in 1852. NB: Razee is the term used when upperworks... more information
  • 1823

    1823 - Launch of PHILOMEL
    23/04/1823

    23rd April. The Cherokee class, 10 gun brig Philomel was launched; she was designed by Sir H. Peake. She was sold in December 1833.
  • 1823

    1823 - Launch of ROYALIST
    13/05/1823

    13th May. The Cherokee class 10 gun brig Royalist was launched. She was also designed by Peake. She was broken up in 1838.
  • 1823

    1823 - Launch of CARNATIC
    21/10/1823

    21st October. The 74 gun ship Carnatic was launched from the Dockyard. Her frames were of teak and came from Bombay. She was never completed for sea, being laid up and... more information
  • 1824

    1824 - Royal Marine Artillery
    1824

    The Royal Marine Artillery comes to Portsmouth from Chatham.
  • 1824

    1824 - Launch of ORESTES & CHAMPION
    21/05/1824

    21st May. The 18 gun sloop Orestes was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the School of Architecture at Portsmouth and was said to be one of the best... more information
  • 1825

    1825 - First Steam Packet to Isle of Wight
    05/04/1825

    5th April. The first steam packet ran between Portsmouth and Ryde. At the time she was said to be an object of beauty, but she heralded an era of great... more information
  • 1825

    1825 - Launches of LEVERET, MOSQUITO & VOLAGE
    19/02/1825

    19th February. Two Cherokee brig/sloops were launched from the Yard, the first was Leveret, and she was sold out of service in 1843. The other was Mosquito; she was also... more information
  • 1825

    1825 - Launches of PRINCESS CHARLOTTE & MYRTLE
    14/09/1825

    14th September. The launch of “Princess Charlotte” 110 guns. 10 minutes before the launch an accident occurred that claimed 16 lives when a spring tide burst open the gates to Dock No. 3. The... more information
  • 1825

    1825 - Status of Dockyard Commissioner
    1825

    The Admiralty lay down the functions of the C-in-C in regard to the Dockyard: “No C-in-C. or other Naval Officer is to assume authority or control over a Resident Commissioner... more information
  • 1826

    1826 - Launch of CHALLENGER
    14/11/1826

    14th November. The 28 gun ship Challenger was launched from the Dockyard; she was wrecked of the coast of Chile on 19th May 1835 with the loss of two of her crew.
  • 1826

    1826 - Launches of WOLF & COLUMBINE
    01/12/1826

    1st December. Two 18 gun sloops were launched from the Yard, the Wolf became a store hulk in 1848 and in 1859 a coal hulk at Plymouth where she was broken up in 1878. ... more information
  • 1827

    1827 - Launch of SAPPHIRE
    31/01/1827

    31st January. The 26 gun ship Sapphire was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the School of Naval Architecture in the Dockyard. She was converted to a troopship in 1839,... more information
  • 1827

    1827 - Loss of DIAMOND
    13/02/1827

    13 February. The frigate Diamond having returned from South America under the command of Lord Napier, had been placed in ordinary (reserve) as fit for immediate service. Shortly before daylight a... more information
  • 1827

    1827 - Launch of SYLVIA
    24/03/1827

    24th March. Saw the launch of the 6 gun Sylvia from the Dockyard. She was fitted out as a survey ship and eventually sold to a private buyer in 1859.
  • 1827

    1827 - Spithead Review by Duke of Clarence
    1827

    Duke of Clarence (later William IV) reviewed the British and Russian fleets at Spithead.
  • 1827

    1827 - PENELOPE Dismantled
    1827

    The 5th Rate 46 gun ship Penelope that had been laid down in the Dockyard was taken to pieces and re-laid at Chatham Dockyard in November. She was completed as a... more information
  • 1828

    1828 - Gosport Victualling Yard
    1828

    Victualling facilities from both sides of the harbour brought onto one site in Gosport Weevil Yard (renamed in 1831 to the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard) extensively rebuilt from this date to 1832.... more information
  • 1829

    1829 - Launch of PRESIDENT
    20/04/1829

    20th April. The launch of the President of 50 guns. She was based on the successful design of the American frigate USS President. She became an RNR drill ship on the... more information
  • 1829

    1829 - Launch of FAVOURITE
    21/04/1829

    21 April. The 18 gun sloop Favourite was launched from the Yard. She became a coal hulk at Devonport in 1860 and given the number C.3. later C.77. She was sold out of... more information
  • 1829

    1829 - Launch of First Steam Warship at Portsmouth - FOX; and of RAPID & RECRUIT
    17/08/1829

    17th August. The first steam Warship to be Built at Portsmouth. The 46 gun ship Fox was said to have been based on the French Leda class frigate. She was completed... more information
  • 1830

    1830 - Clerk of the Cheque Abolished
    30/03/1830

    30th March. The ancient title of Clerk of the Cheque was abolished and its duties taken over by Store Keeper. However it was restored as a separate department on 1st... more information
  • 1830

    1830 - Launch of SEAFLOWER
    18/05/1830

    18th May. The Seaflower a cutter of 4 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was broken up in 1866.
  • 1830

    1830 - Old Smithery Converted
    11/1830

    November. The old Smithery that had been built in the mid 1790’s was converted into a Millwright’s Shop and Boiler Shop although the Boiler Shop was not fully operational... more information
  • 1830

    1830 - HMS EXCELLENT Gunnery School Established; Dockyard Reductions; RN Conditions Improved
    1830

    HMS “Excellent” Gunnery School established on ships in the harbour. (The establishment did not move to the shore base at Whale Island until 1891 (see 1891). Reductions in all dockyards to 7,000 total. ... more information
  • 1831

    1831 - Launch of THALIA
    12/01/1831

    12th January. The Leda class frigate Thalia was launched from the Dockyard. She was hulked in 1855 and became a Roman Catholic church ship at Portsmouth; she was broken up in 1867.
  • 1831

    1831 - Launch of ACTEON
    31/01/1831

    31st January. The 26 gun ship Acteon that was designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth was launched. She was completed as an 18 gun survey ship. She was hulked... more information
  • 1831

    1831 - Launch of Yacht FANNY
    26/02/1831

    26th February. The Admiralty Yacht Fanny was launched from the Dockyard. She was used as the C-in-C’s yacht. She was lengthened in 1857 and transferred to the Coast Guard at... more information
  • 1831

    1831 - Launch of CHARYBDIS
    28/02/1831

    28rd February. The 10 gun brig Charybdis was launched from the Yard; she was designed by Sir H. Peake. She was sold to a private buyer in Rotherhithe 1843.
  • 1831

    1831 - ARGUS & EUPHRATES Scrapped
    03/1831

    March. The 18 gun Sloop Argus that was being built at Portsmouth was dismantled on the slipway and broken up; as was the 46 gun frigate Euphrates that had been laid down... more information
  • 1832

    1832 - First Admiral Superintendent Appointed
    1832

    The Victualling Board and Navy Board are abolished as separate departments of the Admiralty. The post of Commissioner of the Dockyard abolished and replaced by a Rear Admiral known as... more information
  • 1832

    1832 - Admiralty House
    1832

    Admiralty House. It is about this time that the Port Admiral moved into the Dockyard and displaces the Admiral Superintendent (the old Dockyard Commissioner) He takes over the Commissioners Residence... more information
  • 1832

    1832 - Launch of NEPTUNE
    27/09/1832

    27th September. The 120 gun ship Neptune. At that time she was one of the largest sailing warships in the World and the largest built at Portsmouth to date. She was... more information
  • 1832

    1832 - No. 6 Dock Covered
    1832

    No. 6 dock provided with a temporary cover. 3 docks (No 3 to No 6) had permanent roofs.
  • 1833

    1833 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1833

    218 dockyard men discharged. (See 1822).
  • 1833

    1833 - Launch of RACER
    18/07/1833

    18th July. The 16 gun sloop Racer was launched from the Yard. She was sold to a private buyer in 1852.
  • 1833

    1833 - Launch of LYNX
    18/07/1833

    18th July. The three gun brigantine, Lynx was launched; she was broken up at Devonport in 1845.
  • 1833

    1833 - Dockyard Police Established
    1833

    New Dockyard Police established. The Warden becomes Director of Police with a Staff of 3 Inspectors, 3 Sergeants and 36 constables. Inspectors paid £100 a year, sergeants 22s-6d a week and constables 19s-... more information
  • 1833

    1833 - Semaphore Tower Erected
    1833

    Following the movement of the Admiralty residence from the High Street, Old Portsmouth, into the dockyard, the old Semaphore Tower was erected on the roof of the Rigging House and... more information
    1833 - Semaphore Tower Erected
  • 1834

    1834 - Director of Police Established
    27/02/1834

    27th February. A new form of civil guard was introduced into the Dockyard as a Police Force under the control of a lieutenant of the navy and was styled Director... more information
  • 1834

    1834 - Launch of BUZZARD
    24/03/1834

    24th March. The brigantine Buzzard of 3 guns was launched from the Yard. She was broken up at Plymouth 1843. On the same day two lighters, named Duck and Drake, were launched... more information
  • 1834

    1834 - Visits to the Dockyard
    1834

    1834 The Dock-Yard. Instructions for the visitor wishing to visit the Dock-Yard - from A Portsmouth Guide Book. “Persons visiting this place should be at the entrance gate by 10 O’clock... more information
  • 1835

    1835 - Launch of First Steam Paddle Ship - HERMES
    26/06/1835

    26th June. Launch of first steam paddle ship to be built at Portsmouth. HMS “Hermes” (712 tons) of 6 guns. Her 220 horse-power engines were by Maudslay and Field. She was employed in... more information
  • 1835

    1835 - Size of the Fleet
    1835

    At this date only 58 ships of the line fit for service.
  • 1835

    1835 - HMS PIQUE
    22/09/1835

    22nd September. The 36 gun Frigate HMS Pique commanded by Captain, The Hon. H.J. Rous, struck on rocks off the coast of Labrador. She beat heavily until the morning of 2... more information
  • 1835

    1835 - Mast Sheer Legs
    1835

    Mast Sheer Legs were erected on the west inside wall of the Great Ship Basin. These were followed in 1837 by a similar set being erected on the outside wall of... more information
  • 1836

    1836 - Smuggling
    14/01/1836

    14th January. Smuggling is still a lucrative business; the Customs Officers seized 71 tubs of spirits at the Sally Port and dredged up 35 tubs of spirits from the Horse Sands.
  • 1836

    1836 - Launch of ICONSTANT
    16/06/1836

    16th June – The 36 gun Frigate HMS Iconstant launched in the Dockyard. She became a hospital ship at Queenstown in1853, and was sold out of service there in 1862.
  • 1836

    1836 - Launch of HAZARD
    21/04/1836

    21st April. The 18 gun wooden sloop Hazard was launched from the Dockyard. She saw service around the World and was eventually broken up by Whites of Cowes in 1866.
  • 1836

    1836 - Launch of VOLCANO
    29/06/1836

    29th June – The Paddle Steamer Volcano intended for the Packet Service was launched in the Dockyard. Became a floating factory at Portsmouth in 1854 and sold out of service in 1894.
  • 1837

    1837 - Formation of Admiralty Steam Department and Size of the Dockyard
    1837

    In the early part of the year the Steam Department of the Admiralty was formed followed later in the year by the Engineering Branch Afloat. The Navy List contain no... more information
  • 1837

    1837 - Launch of ELECTRA
    17/02/1837

    17th February. The 18 gun wooden sloop Electra was launched from the Dockyard.
  • 1837

    1837 - Abolition of Pillory
    30/06/1837

    30th June. By Act of Parliament the punishment of the Pillory was abolished. In the early years of the century it was frequently inflicted by Portsmouth Magistrates, chiefly for thefts... more information
  • 1837

    1837 - Fire Aboard COLONIST
    27/10/1837

    27th October – the Merchant Ship Colonist was at Spithead on the Motherbank when she caught fire. The passengers and crew were rescued but the ship made a fierce bonfire for 72... more information
  • 1838

    1838 - Launch of TERMAGANT
    26/03/1838

    26th March. HMS Termagant a 10 gun Brigantine was launched in the Dockyard. Her career in the Royal Navy was very short as she was sold to a private buyer in 1845.
  • 1838

    1838 - Cancellation of ROYAL SOVEREIGN
    1838

    The 110 gun First Rate Ship Royal Sovereign that had been laid down in 1833 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway before the launch.
  • 1839

    1839 - Screw v Paddle Contest
    1839

    Contest between “Archimedes”, a screw driven ship, and “Vulcan”, paddle steamer, at Portsmouth, “Archimedes” won convincingly (see 1845).
  • 1839

    1839 - Death of John Pounds
    01/01/1839

    1st January – John Pounds a Dockyard Shipwright fell into a dry dock (thought to be No. 2 Dry Dock) and was crippled. He became a cobbler in Old Portsmouth and, while... more information
  • 1839

    1839 - Launch of INDUS
    16/03/1839

    16th March. The Indus was launched from the Dockyard. This 78 gun ship-of-the-line had been 16 years on the stocks. Her frames were cut from teak and brought in from Bombay, India. ... more information
  • 1839

    1839 - Launch of ROYAL FREDERICK
    15/05/1839

    15th May – amidst an enormous crowd HMS Royal Frederick, 110 gun ship of the line, was launched. She was later re-named The Queen.
  • 1839

    1839 - Holy Trinity Church, Portsea
    20/06/1839

    20th June – the foundation stone of the Holy Trinity Church, Portsea was laid by the Warden of Winchester College. It was taken into the Dockyard in 1906 and became a naval... more information
  • 1839

    1839 - Dockyard Strike
    06/1839

    June. The Admiralty tried to force the Calling of the Muster Rolls in the Dockyard men’s own time and reduced by fifteen minutes the time allowed the blacksmiths to... more information
  • 1839

    1839 - Launch of STROMBOLI
    27/08/1839

    27th August – the wooden steam paddle sloop HMS Stromboli was launched. She served in the Crimean War and off the Syrian coast; she was sold to a private buyer in 1866.
  • 1839

    1839 - Clearance of ROYAL GEORGE Wreck
    09/1839

    In September, Colonel Pasley began the operation of blowing the wreck of the Royal George. (See 1782)
  • 1840

    1840 - Portsmouth - Gosport Floating Bridge
    04/05/1840

    4th May. The Floating Bridge. The horse ferry boat began running between Portsmouth and Gosport. Previously horse and carriages had to go around through Fareham to reachGosport.
  • 1840

    1840 - Clearance of ROYAL GEORGE Wreck
    11/05/1840

    11th May. People gathered on the beach to watch the explosive effects of 2,400 lbs of gunpowder in the attempt to remove part of the wreck of the Royal George that... more information
  • 1840

    1840 - Launch of BITTERN
    18/04/1840

    18th April. The 12 gun brig Bittern was launched from the Dockyard. She had an exciting career and saw active service in the Burmese and Chinese wars. She was sold to... more information
  • 1840

    1840 - Launch of RAPID
    03/06/1840

    3rd June. The 10 gun brig Rapid was launched from the Yard. She was sold at Singapore in 1856.
  • 1840

    1840 - Launch of DRIVER
    24/12/1840

    24th December. The wooden steam sloop Driver was launched from the Dockyard. She saw service in many of the colonial wars including the Crimea War. Sadly she was wrecked on... more information
  • 1841

    1841 - A Severe Frost
    13/02/1841

    13th February. Rain, sleet and snow followed by severe frost enabled many people to skate in large areas of the Town, even in front of the Admiral’s House in... more information
  • 1841

    1841 - Holy Trinity Church Consecrated
    30/09/1841

    30th September. Holy Trinity church, Portsea, was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester.(See 1906)
  • 1842

    1842 - Naval Review,Prince Albert Visit & 4 Ships Launched
    1842

    Naval Review by Queen Victoria at Portsmouth. Prince Albert visited the Dockyard inspecting the Block Mills, Copper Foundry and Blacksmiths Shop. This year saw considerable shipbuilding in the Dockyard with... more information
  • 1843

    1843 - Launch of EURYDICE
    16/05/1843

    16th May. HMS Eurydice was launched from the Dockyard by Miss Elliot. Eurydice was an experimental ship built by Rear-Admiral Elliot with the view of testing how far all the... more information
  • 1843

    1843 - Launch of SKYLARK
    27/07/1843

    27th July. The 8 gun Brig Skylark was launched from the Dockyard; she later became a training ship and was sold to a private buyer in 1875.
  • 1843

    1843 - Dockyard Railway Begun
    1843

    Railway system to serve the dockyard started construction. Prior to this a horse tramway system had existed since the late 18th century for moving masts from the Mast Pond to... more information
  • 1843

    1843 - Seventeen Acres Added to Dockyard
    29/05/1843

    Seventeen acres added to the Dockyard to provide facilities for the new steam Navy. 29th May. Rear Admiral Hyde Parker, CB lays the first stone to the new Steam Basin.... more information
  • 1843

    1843 - Royal Dockyard School Founded
    1843

    Royal Dockyard School founded north of Marlborough Gate (see 1814 & 1970).
  • 1843

    1843 - Visit by King of Saxony
    30/05/1843

    30th May. The King of Saxony visited the town and toured the Dockyard as well as inspecting some of the ships. When he came to HMS Victory the crew manned... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Salt Water Fire Station Completed
    1844

    The Salt Water Tank (Fire Station) completed. It was first proposed in April 1842 by Lt. Beatson RE and the Master Shipwright Blake. It replaced Bentham’s wooden water tank. Permission... more information
    1844 - Salt Water Fire Station Completed
  • 1844

    1844 - Annexation of “New Buildings”, Portsea
    1844

    Admiralty annexed the area known as “the New Buildings”, Portsea and demolished 230 houses. The area was brought into the dockyard as part of the area of the new Steam Basin. ... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Spithead Review
    1844

    Queen Victoria inspected British & French ships at Spithead .
  • 1844

    1844 - Nasmyth Hammer for Smithery
    18/09/1844

    18th September. 2½ ton Nasmyth hammer and boiler to be delivered to the Smithery.
  • 1844

    1844 - Arrival of King Louis Philipe
    06/10/1844

    6th October – saw the arrival of Louis Philippe, King of the French.
  • 1844

    1844 - Launch of OSPREY & DARING
    02/04/1844

    2nd April. Saw the double launching of Osprey and Daring, two experimental 12 gun brigs, from the Dockyard.
  • 1844

    1844 - Visit by King Louis Philipe
    08/10/1844

    8th October. The French King, Louis Philipe, who was escorted by a French squadron, visited the Dockyard and Town. The Royal Yacht Gomer brought the French King into the harbour.... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Queen Victoria Inspects HMS VICTORY
    21/10/1844

    21st October – the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the Queen made a complete inspection of HMS Victory. On descending to the orlop deck she was nearly knocked down by... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Launch of SCOURGE
    08/11/1844

    8th November. The Scourge, a 6 gun wooden paddle steamer, was launched.
  • 1844

    1844 - Chain Cable Store
    19/12/1844

    19th December. Lt. R.S. Beatson RE prepares drawing for cast iron circular window for the Chain Cable Store. By the 27th December, Beatson had prepared details for the doors... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Electric Telegraph from London to Portsmouth
    1844

    This year Cook and Wheatstone undertook a contract for 21 years at £1.500 a year to provide an electric telegraph between the Admiralty in London and Portsmouth Dockyard. The South-Western took half... more information
  • 1844

    1844 - Crimean War Fleet Review
    10/03/1844

    10th March. (The Crimean War). 21 Sail of the Line were review by HM Queen Victoria. At one o’clock the Queen was observed coming from Osborne House in the “Fairy”... more information
  • 1845

    1845 - Screw Versus Paddle Proved
    1845

    This year the Admiralty decided to prove the respective merits between the paddle wheel and the screw propeller. The two ships selected for the contest were the paddle wheel vessel... more information
  • 1845

    1845 - Queen Victoria Reviews Experimental Squadron
    21/06/1845

    21st. June. Queen Victoria reviewed the Experimental Squadron at Spithead. At this period there were 113 steam vessels in the Royal Navy.
  • 1845

    1845 - Sir John Franklin Expedition
    19/05/1845

    19th May. Sir John Franklin sailed to find the North West Passage in the “Erebus” and “Terror”. They were last sighted on the 26 July at the head of Baffin Bay. ... more information
  • 1845

    1845 - No. 3 Shipbuilding Shop
    1845

    Contract entered into between the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty and Messrs. Baker and Son, of Lambeth for the erection of two cast-iron roofs over the two first class ship-building... more information
  • 1846

    1846 - First Chief Engineer Appointed
    05/1846

    May. Andrew Murray was appointed the first Chief Engineer and Inspector of Machinery.
  • 1846

    1846 - Portsmouth to Gosport Telegraph
    1846

    First electric telegraph cable laid between Portsmouth and Gosport. Mr. Hay, a chemist in the High Street, Old Portsmouth, devoted much attention to electricity and lectured on the subject in... more information
  • 1846

    1846 - Launch of RIFLEMAN
    10/08/1846

    10th August. The Rifleman, the first screw-driven vessel to be built in the dockyard was launched. She was a wooden steam gunboat of 483 tons.
  • 1846

    1846 - Dockyard Railway Linked to Town Station
    1846

    Physical link of Dockyard railway to town Stations (see 1843, 1876).
  • 1847

    1847 - Launch of DAUNTLESS
    05/01/1847

    5th January. The Dauntless, a wooden steam frigate of 26 guns, was launched from the Dockyard.
  • 1847

    1847 - Cooperative Society Founded
    1847

    Working Men’s Co-operative Society founded by dockyard men. This was the start of the Portsea Island Co-operative Society. (see 1817).
  • 1847

    1847 - Royal Albert Pier at The Hard
    01/06/1847

    1st June. Opening of “Royal Albert Pier” at the Hard. It was 1249 in length. The Harbour station now occupies the site.
  • 1847

    1847 - Establishment of Factory Accounts
    01/04/1847

    1st April. Commencement of the financial year, the men employed in the Factory to be transferred from the books of the Storekeeper: “the Pay Clerk & Bookkeeper of the Factory... more information
  • 1847

    1847 - Chain Cable Store Floor
    22/04/1847

    22nd April. “With reference to a letter from Captain James RE, relative to the floor of the Chain Cable Store, I am (to ask) if the iron ballast, recommended by... more information
  • 1847

    1847 - Plan for New Grounds at North of Dockyard
    12/07/1847

    12th July. Captain James RE has forwarded “a general plan of the new grounds at the north end of the Dockyard, representing the Docks, slips, and Factory now building… enclosed... more information
  • 1847

    1847 - Fire Station
    11/09/1847

    11th September. A plan to enclose the space under the Salt Water Tank in Portsmouth Yard has been accepted, Messrs. Baker & Son who tender to perform the work for... more information
    1847 - Fire Station
  • 1847

    1847 - Steam Basin Caissons
    06/10/1847

    6th October. The new iron caissons made by Fairbairns are ready. Capt. James RE was to report when he would be ready to receive them. The original entrance to the... more information
  • 1847

    1847 - Formation of Dockyard Infantry & Artillery Companies
    04/1847

    April – the artisans and other workmen of the Dockyard were formed into 12 companies of infantry and 10 companies of artillery; each company consisting of 85 men, making a total of 1870 men. The... more information
  • 1847

    1847 - Last Semaphore Message
    31/12/1847

    31st December – the last message by semaphore was sent from Portsmouth to London. The semaphore system was established in 1795.
  • 1848

    1848 - Opening of New Steam Basin
    25/05/1848

    25th May. HM Queen Victoria, accompanied by Prince Albert and the Duke of Wellington, opened the New Steam basin (No. 2 Basin) 15,000 people witnessed the event (see 1843).
    1848 - Opening of New Steam Basin
  • 1848

    1848 - Launch of LEANDER
    08/03/1848

    8th March. Leander was the last sailing ship to be built in the Dockyard was launched; she was said to have been designed by Richard Blake who was at that... more information
  • 1848

    1848 - No. 6 Boathouse Opened as Mast House
    1848

    No 6 Boathouse was opened as a Mast House. It is a yellow brick structure built around a cast iron frame work consisting of elegant cast iron beams and columns. It... more information
  • 1848

    1848 - Launch of ARROGANT & PLUMPER
    05/04/1848

    5th April. Saw a double launching at the Dockyard when the screw steam frigate Arrogant and the screw steam sloop Plumper were launched in the presence of a great concourse... more information
  • 1848

    1848 - Central School of Mathematics & Naval Construction Founded
    1848

    Central School of Mathematics and Naval Construction founded in the dockyard.
  • 1848

    1848 - Semaphore on Square Tower Dismantled
    1848

    Semaphore on Square Tower dismantled (see 1822).
  • 1848

    1848 - Royal Dockyard Corps Formed
    1848

    Royal Dockyard Corps volunteer militia formed. Operated until 1857. (see 1718).
  • 1848

    1848 - London to Portsmouth Railway Opened
    01/10/1848

    1st October. The railway from London to Portsmouth was opened.
  • 1849

    1849 - Ship Shop No. 2 & No. 7 Dock Opened
    1849

    Ship Shop No.2 built for the construction of steam engines. No. 7 Dock opened. Dockyard railway consisted of 1¾ miles of track (see 1952).
  • 1849

    1849 - Cholera in Portsmouth
    1849

    Cholera strikes the town during the summer months. The town records state that there were 800 interments at Kingston Churchyard and St. Thomas’s Churchyard; they were buried in batches usually... more information
  • 1849

    1849 - Reductions in Shipwrights
    1849

    Shipwright staff reduced to 3,500 with reductions in other categories of worker.
  • 1849

    1849 - Royal Sailors Home Opened
    1849

    Royal Sailors Home opened in Queen Street.
  • 1849

    1849 - Launch of ARGOS
    15/12/1849

    15th December. The wooden steam paddle sloop Argos was launched from the Dockyard.
  • 1849

    1849 - Cancellation of COSSACK
    1849

    The wooden steam gunboat Cossack that was laid down in 1846 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.
  • 1849

    1849 - Cancellation of RESOLUTION
    1849

    The steam sloop Resolution that was laid down in 1846 was taken to pieces and transferred to Sheerness Dockyard but she was cancelled the following year and scrapped..
  • 1850

    1850 - Convict Riot
    05/04/1850

    5th April. A serious riot on board the convict-ships, Sterling Castle and York, moored alongside in the dockyard. It was not suppressed until two days later when the ringleaders were... more information
  • 1850

    1850 - Frederick’s Battery
    25/04/1850

    25th April. It was reported that Frederick’s Battery was completed. This was later dismantled in the late 1860’s and rebuilt with the Round Tower on the north-eastern corner of... more information
  • 1850

    1850 - Nelson & Wellington Statues on Southsea Common
    18/06/1850

    18th June. Lieut. Governor, Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, before giving up command of the Garrison, said he would like to present two statues as a token of regard and good feeling... more information
  • 1850

    1850 - No. 9 Dock Opened
    23/08/1850

    23rd August. No. 9 Dry Dock was opened at the North corner of the Dockyard. The Neptune of 120 guns was to be the first ship to be dry docked. But the... more information
  • 1850

    1850 - Launch of FURIOUS
    26/08/1850

    26th August. The launching of the wooden steam paddle frigate Furious from the Dockyard.
  • 1852

    1852 - Steam Smithery Opened
    17/04/1852

    Great Steam Smithery opened in the Dockyard. On the 17 April the Hampshire Telegraph reported that Mr. Nasmyth, the inventor of the steam hammer, installed two in the Steam Smithery and... more information
    1852 - Steam Smithery Opened
  • 1852

    1852 - Loss of BIRKENHEAD
    02/01/1852

    2nd January. The Troopship Birkenhead sailed from Portsmouth. She was wrecked off Danger Point, South Africa on 26th February with the loss of 436 lives. The behaviour of the crew and... more information
  • 1853

    1853 - Spithead Review
    11/08/1853

    11th August. Grand Naval Review at Spithead. It was the first Royal inspection of a fleet of Steam Warships. After the Review there was a mimic battle between the new... more information
  • 1854

    1854 - Staff Surgeon Appointed to Dockyard
    1854

    Staff Surgeon appointed to the Dockyard (see 1688, 1875, 1918).
  • 1854

    1854 - Iron Foundry & Pattern Shop Opened
    1854

    Iron Foundry and Pattern Shop opened.
    1854 - Iron Foundry & Pattern Shop Opened
  • 1855

    1855 - No. 8 Dock Opened
    12/06/1855

    12th June. The South Inlet Dock, (No 8 Dry Dock) opening into the Steam Basin was completed in early February. The first ship to use it was Queen Victoria’s new... more information
    1855 - No. 8 Dock Opened
  • 1855

    1855 - Launch of MARLBOROUGH
    31/07/1855

    31st July. HM Queen Victoria accompanied by the Prince Consort and the eldest of her children launched HMS “Marlborough”, a wooden steam screw of 1st rate (121 guns). She stuck 25 feet... more information
  • 1855

    1855 - Board of Ordnance Merged with War Office
    1855

    Board of Ordnance, established in the Tudor period, was merged with the War Office.
  • 1856

    1856 - Clerk of the Cheque Abolished
    01/04/1856

    1st April. The ancient position of Clerk of the Cheque was abolished from 30th March 1830 and it responsibilities merged with that of the Storekeeper. However it re-emerged as a separate... more information
  • 1856

    1856 - Grand Peace Fleet Review
    23/04/1856

    23rd April. Grand Peace Review of the Fleet by Queen Victoria at Spithead, after its return from the Baltic. There totalled 254 ships of all classes manned by over 50,000 men and... more information
  • 1856

    1856 - Proclamation of Peace
    03/05/1856

    3rd. May. The Proclamation of Peace was read by the Town Clerk, first at the Platform Battery, next from the steps of Market House, and finally from the Dockyard Gate.
  • 1856

    1856 - Return of Wounded from Crimea
    12/05/1856

    12th May. The Queen was at Portsmouth when a troopship arrived from the Crimea with a large number of wounded men and invalids on board. The Queen expressed a wish... more information
  • 1856

    1856 - Peace Celebration
    29/05/1856

    29th May. Peace with Russia was celebrated in Portsmouth by a General Holiday. A Review of the Garrison on Southsea Common and a grand firing of a Feu-de-joie followed by... more information
  • 1857

    1857 - Post-war Redundancies
    1857

    220 artificers discharged from the Steam Factory and all labourers employed in the late war dismissed. Rates of pay for painters and carpenters: 23 shillings a week, shipwrights 27 shillings; rope and sail... more information
  • 1857

    1857 - Launch of ROYAL SOVEREIGN
    25/04/1857

    25th April. Launch of “Royal Sovereign” the first turret ironclad in the Royal Navy. She was laid down as 121 gun ship of the line but, while completing, the decision was... more information
  • 1857

    1857 - Queen Inspects Troops for India
    04/08/1857

    4th August. (Troopers Jetty.) Queen Victoria inspected in the Dockyard a large number of troops about to embark for India. At this time the jetty now known as South Railway... more information
  • 1857

    1857 - No.10 Dock Opened
    1857

    Dock No. 10 opened.
    1857 - No.10 Dock Opened
  • 1858

    1858 - Presentation of Victoria Crosses
    02/08/1858

    2nd August. Queen Victoria visits Portsmouth and presents twelve officers and men with the Victoria Cross on Southsea Common. The Parade consisted of 4.000 troops with over 20.000 spectators.
  • 1858

    1858-61 Hilsea Lines Re-constructed
    1858

    Hilsea Lines reconstructed from this date to the present form (see 1747). These lines actually form the last of the town ramparts and much of it is still visible to-day. The... more information
  • 1859

    1859 - Launch of BACCHANTE
    30/07/1859

    30th July. The 51 gun wooden steam frigate Bacchante was launched from the Dockyard. She did not have a very long life as she was broken up in 1869 at Portsmouth.
  • 1859

    1859 - Launch of VICTORIA
    17/11/1859

    17th November. The 121 Gun 1st Rate ship Victoria was launched by Princess Frederick William of Prussia. HM The Queen and other members of her family were also present. It was... more information
  • 1859

    1859 - Launch of DUNCAN
    13/12/1859

    13th December. The 101 gun ship of the line Duncan was launched from the Dockyard. She was sold and broken up in London 1910.
  • 1859

    1859 - Royal Navy Reserve Created
    1859

    Royal Navy Reserve created.
  • 1860

    1860 - Launch of PRINCE OF WALES
    25/01/1860

    25th January. After nearly twelve years on the stocks the 131 gun ship of the line was launched and named Prince of Wales. She was laid down as a sailing ship... more information
  • 1860

    1860 - Float-up of RINALDO
    24/03/1860

    24th March. The Dockyard saw the 17 gun wooden steam sloop Rinaldo that had been built in a Dry Dock, floated up.
  • 1860

    1860 - Launch of FREDERICK WILLIAM
    25/03/1860

    25th March. The Frederick William was launched from the Dockyard. She was originally to be named Royal Frederick but the name was changed just before the launching on the occasion... more information
  • 1860

    1860 - Hired Staff
    1860

    Hired staff in Dockyard 1265:- Shipwrights 550 Caulkers 60 Joiners 90 Smiths 128 Sawyers 56 Painters 27 Mill Wrights 35 Labourers 305 Oakum boys 14
  • 1860

    1860 - Metropolitan Police Take-over
    01/10/1860

    1st October. Metropolitan Police take over policing duties in the dockyard. There position was clarified by a special Act of Parliament 1860 for their employment in Her Majesty’s Yards, Victualling... more information
  • 1860

    1860 - Launch of WARRIOR
    29/12/1860

    29th December. Launch of “HMS Warrior” at Blackwall. Laid down 1859. (See 1987).
  • 1860

    1860 - Demolition of Portsmouth & Portsea Fortifications
    1860

    Commencement of demolition of the fortifications of Portsmouth and Portsea (See 1770, 1864). Future defence would be from the Hill Forts, sea forts and harbour entrance defences and a last ditch stand... more information
  • 1860

    1860 - Controller of the Navy
    04/02/1860

    4th February. The title of Surveyor of the Navy abolished and was restyled Controller of the Navy.
  • 1861

    1861 - Purchase of Whale island
    1861

    Whale Island, that had been used as a dumping ground from spoil excavated from the Steam Basin, was purchased from the Corporation for £1,000 by the Admiralty. Both Winchester College and... more information
  • 1861

    1861 - Hydraulic Engine House Built
    1861

    The Hydraulic Engine House that sits on the south eastern side of the Camber was built; it was designed by the Chief Engineer, John Murray, and extended in 1904. Its purpose... more information
  • 1861

    1861 - Launch of CHANTICLEER
    09/02/1861

    9th February. The Chanticleer was launched from the Yard; she was a wooden steam sloop.
  • 1861

    1861 - Launch of GLASGOW
    28/03/1861

    28th March. The wooden steam-screw frigate Glasgow was launched. She was sold in 1884.
  • 1861

    1861 - Trouble with Convicts
    1861

    Trouble with convicts. Several murderous attacks by convicts on their warders are reported this year. The worst being an attack by 26 convicts on two warders in the Cable Store of... more information
  • 1861

    1861 - Removal of Cadet-training Ship Britannia from Portsmouth
    1861

    This year great concern was felt in the town and Dockyard over the Admiralty decision to remove the Cadet Training Ship Britannia from Portsmouth Harbour to another port. Sir James... more information
  • 1862

    1862 - Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney
    1862

    Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney, commenced building.
  • 1863

    1863 - Portsdown Hill Forts
    1863

    Four out of five Portsdown Hill Forts well advanced in construction.
  • 1863

    1863 - Cancellation of BRAMBLE & CROWN
    12/12/1863

    12th December. The Wooden steam gunboats Bramble and Crown, which had both been laid down in 1861, were cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.
  • 1863

    1863 - Portsmouth’s Dry Dock
    1863

    Portsmouth’s own Dry Dock. This Dry Dock was built at a cost of £30,000 and was sited at the Camber, Old Portsmouth. It was first used in May of this... more information
  • 1863

    1863 - Cancellation of KENT
    1863

    The 92 gun 2nd Rate Ship of the Line Kent that was laid down in 1860 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.
  • 1863

    1863 - Cancellation of PROTECTOR
    1863

    The steam gunboat Protector that was laid down in 1861 was taken to pieces before launching and cancelled.
  • 1864

    1864 - 2nd Major Expansion of Dockyard
    1864

    It was this year the Lords of Admiralty were granted the necessary Parliamentary powers for the enclosing of an additional 180 acres to Dockyard (93 of which were reclaimed mudflats) and the... more information
  • 1864

    1864 - Launch of CHERUB
    29/03/1864

    29th March. The gunboat Cherub was launched from Haslar Gunboat Yard.
  • 1864

    1864 - The White Ensign
    09/07/1864

    9th July. By Her Majesty’s order of Council, it was directed that the classification of ships under the denomination of Red, White and Blue Squadrons, should be discontinued, and... more information
  • 1864

    1864 - Float-up of ROYAL ALFRED
    15/10/1864

    15th October. The Royal Alfred was floated out of dry dock from the Dockyard. She was laid down as a 91 gun ship of the line and converted to an ironclad... more information
  • 1864

    1864 - Cancellation of HARLEQUIN
    12/12/1864

    12th December. The steam sloop Harlequin that was laid down in February 1861 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.
  • 1864

    1864 - Cancellation of DRYAD
    16/12/1864

    16th December. The wooden steam frigate Dryad that was laid down 2nd January 1860 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.
  • 1865

    1865 - Launch of HELICON
    31/01/1865

    31st January. The paddle yacht, dispatch vessel Helicon was launched from the Dockyard. She was later renamed the Enchantress in 1888.
  • 1865

    1865 - Launch of MINISTREL
    16/02/1865

    16th February. The wooden steam gunboat Ministrel was launched.
  • 1865

    1865 - First Use of No. 11 Dock
    01/07/1865

    1st July. The first ship dry docked in the newly-opened north inlet dock in the Steam Basin (No. 11 Dock) was HMS Minotaur. At that time the Dock was one of... more information
    1865 - First Use of No. 11 Dock
  • 1865

    1865 - Size of Dockyard
    1865

    Dockyard employees, exclusive of officers, 4905. Wages £284,754 a year (see 1837).
  • 1865

    1865 - Unicorn Gate Moved
    03/08/1865

    3rd August. The tender submitted by G.Smith & Co. for taking down and re-erecting the Unicorn Gate was accepted.
  • 1866

    1866 - Launch of NETLEY
    22/07/1866

    22nd July. The wooden steam gunboat Netley was launched.
  • 1866

    1866 - Launch of ORWELL
    27/12/1866

    27th December. The wooden steam gunboat Orwell was launched. These vessels had three masts and were square rigged. They played a major part in policing the Victorian Empire.
  • 1866

    1866 - Southsea Esplanade
    1866

    Spoil from Dockyard basin used to form Southsea Esplanade carried by a temporary tramway from the Dockyard to Southsea Common (see 1864).
  • 1866

    1866 - Labourers’ Pay
    1866

    Labourers Pay – 150 ‘established’ men @ 14 shillings a week, 220 1st class labourers @ 13s-6d, and 800-900 2nd class labourers @ 13 shillings a week. 220 of these men worked for the timber inspector and 30 for... more information
  • 1867

    1867 - Sweet Fanny Adams
    24/08/1867

    24th August. Young Fanny Adams from Alton was cruelly murdered and partly dismembered. At that time the process of tinning meat for the Navy was still in its infancy and... more information
  • 1867

    1867 - Visit by Sultan of Turkey
    17/07/1867

    17th July. The Sultan of Turkey visits the Town and Dockyard. A Naval Review in his honour was staged; it consisted of eight wooden frigates, two wooden sloops, fifteen iron... more information
  • 1867

    1867 - Gunboat Construction Programme
    1867

    Danae launched 21st May. Ringdove Launched 4th September. Avon launched 2nd October Cracker Launched 27th November. Bruiser Launched at Haslar Gunboat Yard 23rd April. Cromer Launched at Haslar Gunboat Yard 2... more information
  • 1867

    1867 - Anchor Gate Closed
    1867

    Anchor Gate closed. (see 1864).
  • 1867

    1867 - Torpedo & Gunnery School Opened
    1867

    Torpedo and Gunnery electrics school started on HMS “Vernon” in Fountain Lake. Her first commander was ‘Jackie’ Fisher. Commissioned as an independent establishment in 1876.
  • 1868

    1868 - Kings Mill Destroyed
    1868

    Kings Mill (see 1712) destroyed by fire. 600 Dockyard men enrolled as special constables due to fear of Fenian attacks.
  • 1868

    1868 - Dockyard Ropery Closed
    05/1868

    May The Dockyard Ropery was closed. With the revolution in ships steam propulsion the need for rope gradually diminished and rope making was concentrated in Devonport and Chatham Dockyard. Senior... more information
  • 1868

    1868 - Launches of ELK, MAGPIE, SIRIUS & SWALLOW
    1868

    10th January…… The composite steam gunboat Elk. 12th February….. The wooden steam gunboat Magpie. 24th April……… The Wooden steam corvette Sirius. 16th November…. The wooden steam gunboat Swallow.
  • 1869

    1869 - Discharged Men Emigrate to Canada
    20/04/1869

    20th April. Great gloom hung over the town as discharged Dockyard men and their families emigrated to Canada. 391 men, women and children, of whom 175 belonged to Portsmouth, sailed in the... more information
  • 1869

    1869 - Launch of DIDO
    23/10/1869

    23rd October. The wooden steam corvette Dido was launched from Portsmouth Dockyard. On return from the Zulu Wars she was hulked and in 1906 was re-named Actaeon.
  • 1869

    1869 - Death & Departure of George Peabody
    18/12/1869

    18th December. The departure of George Peabody Financier, Banker, Entrepreneur and benefactor of the London poor. George Peabody was born in Massachusetts, America in 1795 in 1816 he moved to Baltimore where... more information
  • 1870

    1870 - Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney Completed
    1870

    Royal Marine Barracks at Eastney largely completed (see 1862).
  • 1870

    1870 - Admiralty Chemical Laboratory Established
    1870

    Admiralty Chemical Laboratory established in the Dockyard.
  • 1870

    1870 - More Emigrants to Canada
    06/1870

    June another large party of Dockyard shipwrights and their families embark in the troopship Crocodile for passage to Canada.
  • 1870

    1870 - Dockyard Recruitment due to Franco-Prussian War
    1870

    700 taken on in the Dockyard because of worries about the Franco-Prussian War. (see 1869-70).
  • 1870

    1870 - Launch of PLUCKY
    13/07/1870

    13th July. The gunboat Plucky was launched. She was one of the two prototypes for 20 Ant class gunboats built at about this time. She was renamed Banterer in 1916 and finally... more information
  • 1870

    1870 - Launches of BLAZER & COMET
    12/1870

    7th December. The Gunboat Blazer was launched. 8th December. The Gunboat Comet was launched.
  • 1870

    1870 - Dockyard Complement
    1870

    The Dockyard Complement 1870. Shipwrights & Apprentices. Established 1.086; Hired 609. Caulkers & Apprentices. Established 110. Joiners. Established 159. Sawyers. Established 61. Smiths & Apprentices. Established 213. Workmen in Block and other Mills. Established 71. Coppersmiths Hired 45. Riggers.... more information
  • 1871

    1871 - Removal of Lion Gate
    1871

    The Lion Gate was removed this year when the fortification was demolished at the end of Queen Street. It was later re-erected as the gate way to Anglesey Barracks in... more information
  • 1871

    1871 - Flogging Suspended in Royal Navy
    1871

    Flogging in Royal Navy suspended in peacetime. (See 1879).
  • 1871

    1871 - No.12 Dock Complete
    20/05/1871

    20th May. (Great Extension) No 12 Dry Dock structurally completed.
    1871 - No.12 Dock Complete
  • 1871

    1871 - HMS DEVASTATION Floated
    12/07/1871

    12th July. HMS “Devastation” (4,406 tons) the first ironclad built at Portsmouth in a dry dock was floated up. Generally thought to have been built in No. 9 Dry Dock. Construction had... more information
  • 1871

    1871 - Dockyard Staff Reduced
    1871

    Staff in Dockyard reduced from 3,781 to 3,045 in 1871 (see 1865).
  • 1872

    1872 - HMS VERNON Moored in Portchester Creek
    1872

    HMS “Vernon” moored in Portchester Creek for use as the Royal Navy’s first torpedo school. (Moved to Gunwharf mooring in 1876 and to shore there in 1923).
  • 1872

    1872 - Departure of HMS CHALLENGER for Oceanographic Survey
    21/12/1872

    21st December. HMS Challenger, a steam screw corvette converted to a survey ship under the command of Captain George S. Nares, left Portsmouth on her 4 year oceanographic survey in collaboration... more information
  • 1873

    1873 - Re-location of Unicorn Gate
    1873

    The Unicorn Gate, which pierced the Portsea fortifications at the end of North Street, Portsea, was taken down this year and re-erected as an entrance to the Dockyard Extension. (It... more information
  • 1873

    1873 - Spithead Review for Shah of Persia
    23/06/1873

    23rd June. Spithead Review in honour of the Shah of Persia. It was the first time that a ruler of Persia had visited this country and he astonished all beholders... more information
  • 1873

    1873 - Great Extension Lock Completed
    17/07/1873

    17th July. (Great extension) the lock connecting No 3 basin to the tidal basin is structurally completed.
  • 1873

    1873 - Launch of SHAH
    10/09/1873

    10th September .The 26 gun Iron Steam frigate, Blonde, that had been built in the dockyard was re-named at her launching in honour of the Royal Visitor as HMS Shah.
  • 1873

    1873 - Dockyard Staff
    1873

    Staff in Dockyard 3,900 (see 1870). Smiths wages – 1st class 45 shillings a week, to 4th class on 29 shillings.
  • 1874

    1874 - Fire in No. 11 Storehouse
    1874

    Disastrous Fire. No.11 Store House (now the Naval Museum) was completely gutted by fire down to the ground floor. However the massive walls remained intact and in 1879 the building was... more information
    1874 - Fire in No. 11 Storehouse
  • 1874

    1874 - Industrial Injuries
    1874

    In the previous 12 months 4,000 dockyard men were treated at the dockyard surgery for minor injuries. 1,000 men and boys incapacitated. Compared to the previous 10 years the number had trebled.
  • 1874

    1874 - Review of Troops Returning from Ashanti War
    23/04/1874

    23rd April.Troops and sailors returning from the Ashanti War are reviewed at Gosport by the Queen and on the 30th April they are entertained by Portsmouth.
  • 1875

    1875 - Launch of DREADNOUGHT
    03/08/1875

    8th March. The armoured battleship Dreadnought was launched at Pembroke dockyard. According to an article in the London Illustrated News she was completed at Portsmouth dockyard.
  • 1875

    1875 - Great Extension Docks Opened
    29/05/1875

    29th May. The Deep Dry Dock (No. 9 Dock), North Lock (B. Lock), South Lock (A. Lock), Tidal Basin and the Repairing Basins were opened (see 1864).
    1875 - Great Extension Docks Opened
  • 1875

    1875 - Departure of Arctic Expedition
    1875

    Departure of the Arctic Expedition in “Alert” and “Discovery”. The expedition returned on 20th November 1876 after HMS “Alert” had reached within 400 miles of the North Pole.
  • 1875

    1875 - Manager Constructive Department Appointed
    01/04/1875

    1st April. Mr. W. B. Robinson was the last Master Shipwright at Portsmouth for on the 1st April the title changed to that of Chief Constructor. Interestingly on his appointment... more information
  • 1875

    1875 - A Terrible Disaster
    18/08/1875

    18th August. A Terrible Disaster. The Royal Yacht Alberta, in company with the Victoria & Albert, (Alberta was tender to the V & A) steamed at 15 knots across Spithead towards... more information
  • 1875

    1875 - Launch of BOADICEA
    16/10/1875

    16th October. Saw the launching from the Dockyard of the iron screw corvette Boadicea of 3913 tons burden.
  • 1875

    1875 - No. 7 Boathouse Re-built
    1875

    No 7 Boathouse rebuilt over the Mast Pond.
  • 1876

    1876 - Launch of INFLEXIBLE
    27/04/1876

    27th April. Princess Louise launches HMS “Inflexible” (12,000 tons). With the thickest armour used on a warship (24 inches), she was also the first major warship to use electricity and to be... more information
    1876 - Launch of INFLEXIBLE
  • 1876

    1876 - Great Extension Declared Open
    1876

    The Princess Louise steamed into the new Dockyard extension works to declare it open (see 1864). During the extension works there were as much as 9 miles of railway viaducts in use... more information
    1876 - Great Extension Declared Open
  • 1876

    1876 - Launch of BACCHANTE
    19/10/1876

    19th October. The iron screw corvette Bacchante was launched from the Dockyard. She was a sister ship to the Boadicea that had been launched the previous year.
  • 1876

    1876 - Boiler Explosion in HMS THUNDERER
    07/1876

    July. Boiler explosion on HMS “Thunderer” while she was at Spithead kills 45 men. A local relief fund amounting to £5.000 was raised for the sufferers.
    1876 - Boiler Explosion in HMS THUNDERER
  • 1876

    1876 - Railway Viaduct to South Railway Jetty Completed
    1876

    Railway viaduct from Harbour Station into Dockyard via swing bridge completed.
  • 1876

    1876 - Complement of Dockyard
    1876

    1876-7. Following the Great Extension, many new trades entered the Dockyard as follows: Apprentices. Established 0; Hired 131. Blockmakers. Established 3. Block Mills. Established16. Braziers and Tinmen. Established 5; Hired 3. Bricklayers. Established 1; Hired 1. 1 Boilermakers.... more information
  • 1877

    1877 - The Great Foreshore Case
    1877

    The Great Foreshore Case. Since the days of the Plantagenet’s the Corporation had exercised rights of Admiralty over the foreshore – that is, the land between the high and low... more information
  • 1878

    1878 - Reserve Squadron Review
    13/08/1878

    13th August. The Queen reviewed the Reserve Squadron at Spithead. It consisted of 26 vessels such as the Lord Warden, Valiant, Warrior and Hercules.
  • 1878

    1878 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1878

    Discharge of 1,400 dockyard men but 700 re-engaged.
  • 1878

    1878 - Loss of HMS EURYDICE
    24/03/1878

    24th March. On Sunday afternoon the training ship HMS Eurydice, when off Dunnose Point, a headland between Ventnor and Sandown and almost within sight of home, was struck by a... more information
  • 1879

    1879 - Flogging in the Royal Navy Abolished
    1879

    Flogging in the Royal Navy was abolished (see 1871).
  • 1879

    1879 - “Sailor’s Welcome” Opened
    1879

    “Sailors Welcome” opened in Queen Street by Sarah Robinson who had already established the “Sailors Institute” in ex-“Fountain Hotel”, High Street in 1874 (present site of “Fountain Court”).
  • 1880

    1880 - Troops for Afghanistan
    1880

    In consequence of the troubles in Afghanistan, Indian troopships left Portsmouth with the 1st battalion of the Rifle Brigade. The Queen, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and... more information
  • 1881

    1881 - Crown Prince Inspects HMS INFLEXIBLE
    22/07/1881

    22nd July. The Crown Prince (William II) came to Portsmouth to inspect HMS Inflexible, then the last word in naval construction and commanded by Captain (Jacky) Fisher. A week later... more information
  • 1881

    1881 - Launch of CANADA
    26/08/1881

    26th August. The Crown Princess of Germany launches the corvette Canada from the Dockyard. She was the first all steel ship to be built in the yard.
  • 1881

    1881 - Launch of CORDELIA
    25/10/1881

    25th October. The Cordelia a sister ship to the Canada was launched from the Yard.
  • 1881

    1881 - Annual Dockyard Regatta
    1881

    The annual Dockyard Regatta was a great success this year and was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. 150 boats, manned by over a 1000 men, took part in the... more information
  • 1881

    1881 - “Royal Sailors Rest” Opened
    1881

    “Royal Sailors Rest” opened by Agnes Weston in Queen Street.
  • 1882

    1882 - Launch of COLOSSUS
    21/03/1882

    21st March. The launching of the turret ship Colossus by Lady Emma Baring, daughter of Lord Northbrook, First Lord of the Admiralty. Colossus was the first all steel battleship and... more information
  • 1882

    1882 - No. 5 Boathouse Built
    1882

    No. 5 Boathouse built over part of Mast Pond (see 1665 & 1875).
  • 1882

    1882 - “Royal Sailors Rest Home” Opened
    14/06/1882

    14th June. “Royal Sailors Rest Home” opened by Agnes Weston in Commercial Road.
  • 1882

    1882 - Troops Return from Egyptian Wars
    03/11/1882

    3rd November. Marines, sailors and troops arrive back at Portsmouth from the Egyptian Wars and were entertained at public expense.
  • 1883

    1883 - Plans for Police Cells
    01/1883

    January. First plans and sections of the new Police cells at Portsmouth. These are just inside the Victory Gate.
  • 1883

    1883 - Launch of IMPERIEUSE
    18/12/1883

    18th December. The armoured cruiser Imperieuse was launched from the Dockyard.
    1883 - Launch of IMPERIEUSE
  • 1884

    1884 - Launch of CALLIOPE
    24/06/1884

    24th June. The cruiser Calliope was launched from the Dockyard. In March 1889 she was in Apia harbour, Samoa with six foreign warships and several merchant ships, when a hurricane broke... more information
    1884 - Launch of CALLIOPE
  • 1885

    1885 - Troops Return from Sudan Campaign
    1885

    Troops returned from the Sudan Campaign and were enthusiastically received at Portsmouth.
  • 1885

    1885 - Launch of CAMPERDOWN
    24/11/1885

    24th November. The first class battleship Camperdown was launched from the Dockyard. She commissioned 18th July 1889 for the Home Fleet. While in the Mediterranean on 22nd June 1893 the fleet were... more information
    1885 - Launch of CAMPERDOWN
  • 1886

    1886 - Visit by King of Portugal
    07/08/1886

    7th August. The King of Portugal visited Portsmouth and toured the Dockyard.
  • 1887

    1887 - Review on Southsea Common
    21/06/1887

    21st June. A Review of all the troops in the Garrison on Southsea Common in the morning followed by festivities in the afternoon by 23,000 children. A whole bullock was roasted... more information
  • 1887

    1887 - Golden Jubilee Fleet Review
    23/07/1887

    23th July. HM Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and Naval Review of 136 major warships at Spithead. At night the fleet was illuminated by coloured electrical lighting.
  • 1887

    1887 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1887

    1,000 men discharged from the Dockyard. They were the heaviest discharges since 1869. So great was the distress in the town that the Admiralty agreed to give assisted passage to Canada in... more information
  • 1887

    1887 - Admiralty Experiment Works Established
    1887

    Admiralty Experiment Works established at Haslar under the superintendence of R.E. Froude.
  • 1887

    1887 - Launch of TRAFALGAR
    20/09/1887

    20th September. Amidst a great concourse of spectators, Lady Hood launched the new battleship Trafalgar from No. 5 slipway in the Dockyard.
    1887 - Launch of TRAFALGAR
  • 1888

    1888 - HMS NYMPHE Named
    01/05/1888

    1st. May. The Composite sloop HMS Nymphe was christened by Miss Platt who was the daughter of the Reverend T. D. Platt, Vicar of Holy Trinity church at Portsea.
  • 1888

    1888 - Launch of MELPOMENE
    20/09/1888

    20th September. The launch and christening of the cruiser HMS Melpomene was said to have been the shabbiest ever witnessed, for the Admiralty had forbidden any ceremony that was not... more information
  • 1889

    1889 - Naval Review for Kaiser
    1889

    Naval Review in honour of the Kaiser who was accompanied by a German Squadron. 81 ships, including 33 ironclads. After reviewing the fleet the Kaiser said that “he had seen the finest... more information
  • 1889

    1889 - Emigrants to South America
    03/1889

    March saw 850 emigrants leave Portsmouth for South America. But the bright new life offered did not mature and many return home disillusioned.
  • 1889

    1889 - The Two-power Standard
    31/03/1889

    31st March. The Naval Defence Act is passed. It established the principle of the two-power standard: the Royal Navy to be at least equal to the naval strength of any... more information
  • 1889

    1889 - HMS BEAGLE Named
    28/02/1889

    28th February. The Sloop HMS Beagle was christened by Mrs Deadman, wife of the Chief Constructor of the yard.
  • 1889

    1889 - HMS BARROSA Named
    16/04/1889

    16th April. HMS Barrosa a cruiser was christened by Miss Gorst, daughter of Sir John Gorst MP
  • 1889

    1889 - HMS VULCAN Named
    13/06/1889

    13th June. HMS Vulcan was christened by Mrs. Gordon, wife of Rear-Admiral Gordon, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard. This vessel was of a special nature as she was designed to... more information
  • 1889

    1889 - HMS BARHAM Named
    11/09/1889

    11th September. The cruiser HMS Barham was christened by Miss Hamilton, daughter of Sir Vesey Hamilton.
  • 1889

    1889 - Telephone Link Between Portsmouth & Southampton
    02/12/1889

    2nd December. Telephonic communications were established between Portsmouth and Southampton.
  • 1890

    1890 - Launch of PALLAS
    30/06/1890

    30th June. The cruiser HMS Pallas was launched from the Dockyard by Miss Gorst, the daughter of Sir John Gorst MP. She was sold for scrap in 1906.
  • 1890

    1890 - Kaiser Tours Dockyard & Eastney Barracks
    06/08/1890

    6th and 7th August. The Kaiser tours the Dockyard and Eastney Barracks.
  • 1890

    1890 - New Town Hall Opened
    09/08/1890

    9th August. The New Town Hall was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales. In his opening address the Prince said: “you have every right to feel proud of... more information
  • 1891

    1891 - Queen Inspects French & English Squadron at Spithead
    20/08/1891

    20th August. HM Queen Victoria inspected French and English Squadron at Spithead.
  • 1891

    1891 - HMS EXCELLENT to Whale Island
    1891

    HMS “Excellent” moved to shore base at Whale Island (see 1830,1864). A railway system existed on theIsland after demolition of the viaduct in 1892 and was in use until c1929. (see 1864).
  • 1891

    1891 - Naming of ROYAL SOVEREIGN & ROYAL ARTHUR
    26/02/1891

    26th February – the Dockyard had special reason for rejoicing from the circumstances that two of the most powerful vessels yet constructed had been built in an incredibly short span of... more information
    1891 - Naming of ROYAL SOVEREIGN & ROYAL ARTHUR
  • 1891

    1891 - Rear Admiral J. A. Fisher Appointed Admiral Superintendent
    1891

    Rear Admiral J. A. Fisher CB appointed Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard.
  • 1891

    1891 - Queen Reviews Fleets at Spithead
    20/08/1891

    20th August. Queen Victoria reviews ships of the British and French fleets at Spithead .
  • 1892

    1892 - Float-up of CRESCENT
    30/03/1892

    30th March. The First Class cruiser HMS Crescent that had been built in dry dock was floated up after the christening that was performed by Lady Elizabeth Mead. Crescent was... more information
  • 1892

    1892 - Float-up of CENTURION
    03/08/1892

    3rd August. The new battleship HMS Centurion that had been built in No. 13 Dry Dock was floated up after the christening ceremony that was performed by Mrs. Fisher, the wife... more information
    1892 - Float-up of CENTURION
  • 1893

    1893 - Royal Railway Shelter Built
    1893

    Royal Railway Shelter built on South Railway Jetty it was designed by Mr. T. C. Agutter. (See 1939).
    1893 - Royal Railway Shelter Built
  • 1893

    1893 - Launch of FOX
    15/06/1893

    15th June. Saw the launch of the cruiser HMS Fox, the christening ceremony was performed by the Countess of Clanwilliam.
  • 1893

    1893 - Sinking of HMS VICTORIA
    22/06/1893

    22nd June. The battleship HMS Victoria was sunk in collision with the battleship HMS Camperdown. The Admiral and 360 officers and men were lost in the Victoria. The majority of the... more information
    1893 - Sinking of HMS VICTORIA
  • 1893

    1893 - New Mould Loft Opened
    1893

    The new Mould Loft was opened this year. It was built almost facing the Admiral Superintendent’s residence. It was 150 ft long by 100 ft wide and on its large open... more information
    1893 - New Mould Loft Opened
  • 1894

    1894 - Launch of ECLIPSE
    19/07/1894

    19th July. The launch of the cruiser HMS Eclipse; the christening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Kane, wife of the Admiral Superintendent.
    1894 - Launch of ECLIPSE
  • 1895

    1895 - First Electrical Repair Shop Built
    1895

    First Electrical Repair shop built.
  • 1895

    1895 - Float-up of MAJESTIC
    31/01/1895

    31st January. Princess Louise christened the new battleship Majestic and she was floated up from the dry dock in which she had been built. Her building time set a record... more information
    1895 - Float-up of MAJESTIC
  • 1895

    1895 - Launch of PRINCE GEORGE
    22/08/1895

    22nd August. HRH The Duchess of York, accompanied by her husband the Duke of York ( future King George V), came to Portsmouth to launch the new battleship HMS Prince George.
    1895 - Launch of PRINCE GEORGE
  • 1896

    1896 - Indian Troopship HMS Malabar Returns
    29/04/1896

    29th April. The Indian Troopship Malabar arrived in Portsmouth after her last voyage. It had been decided to replace the Indian Troopship Service with liners. For many years Portsmouth had... more information
    1896 - Indian Troopship HMS Malabar Returns
  • 1896

    1896 - First Use of No. 14 Dry Dock
    01/07/1896

    1st July. HMS Terrible was the first ship to use No. 14 Dry Dock. No. 15 Dry Dock was opened a few months later. These two dry docks were allocated during the 1860... more information
    1896 - First Use of No. 14 Dry Dock
  • 1896

    1896 - No.1 Ship Shop
    1896

    The Workshop that had originally been known as the Armour plate shop and built in the late 1860’s was extended to become known as No. 1 Ship Shop.
  • 1896

    1896 - Gun Mounting Shop Opened
    1896

    The Gun Mounting Shop built and opened this year.
  • 1896

    1896 - HMS CAESAR Floated-up
    02/09/1896

    2nd September. The battleship HMS Caesar that had been built in 13 Dry Dock was christened by Lady Salmon, the wife of the Commander-in-Chief and floated up.
    1896 - HMS CAESAR Floated-up
  • 1896

    1896 - Launch of GLADIATOR
    08/12/1896

    8th December. The second class cruiser HMS Gladiator was launched in the presence of Mr. Goschen, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and a distinguished company. The First Lord’s... more information
    1896 - Launch of GLADIATOR
  • 1897

    1897 - Diamond Jubilee Fleet Review
    1897

    Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Fleet Review of 173 major warships in 5 lines of ships, 7 miles long. HMS Active became the last full-rigged ship to sail out of Portsmouth Harbour. Charles... more information
    1897 - Diamond Jubilee Fleet Review
  • 1897

    1897 - Anchor Gate Demolished
    1897

    Anchor Gate demolished having previously been taken into the Dockyard in 1864.
  • 1897

    1897 - Launch of CANOPUS
    03/10/1897

    3rd October. Mrs Rice, wife of the Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, launches the new battleship HMS Canopus from No 5 Slipway.
    1897 - Launch of CANOPUS
  • 1898

    1898 - Last Indian Troopship Departs
    28/02/1898

    28th February. Saw the last departure of the Indian Troopships from Portsmouth with the sailing of “Jumma”. These troopships berthed at South Railway Jetty which at this time was known... more information
  • 1898

    1898 - Launch of FORMIDABLE
    17/11/1898

    17th November. HMS “Formidable”, the largest warship at that time, launched by Lady Hicks-Beach, the wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. On the 1st January 1915 while on exercises in... more information
    1898 - Launch of FORMIDABLE
  • 1899

    1899 - Launch of LONDON
    21/09/1899

    21st September. Launching of the Battleship HMS London by Lady George Hamilton.
    1899 - Launch of LONDON
  • 1900

    1900 - Launch of PANDORA
    27/01/1900

    27th January. The small cruiser HMS Pandora was launched by Mrs Napier the daughter of Admiral Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
    1900 - Launch of PANDORA
  • 1900

    1900 - Appointment of “The Electrician”
    01/11/1900

    1st November. Mr L. T. Steel was appointed head of an embryo electrical department with the title of The Electrician. The title changed soon after to Electrical Engineer (Higher Grade).
  • 1901

    1901 - Death of Queen Victoria
    22/01/1901

    22nd January. Death of Queen Victoria at “Osborne House”, Isle of Wight. On Friday afternoon, 1st February, the Royal Yacht ”Alberta” that was lying at Trinity Pier near to Osborne... more information
  • 1901

    1901 - Launch of KENT
    06/03/1901

    6th March. The Armoured cruiser HMS Kent was launched from the Dockyard the ceremony had to be postponed a day due to bad weather. The Kent completed 1st Oct 1903 into... more information
    1901 - Launch of KENT
  • 1901

    1901 - Duke & Duchess of York Arrive from Colonial Tour
    01/11/1901

    1st November. The Duke and Duchess of York arrived at Portsmouth at the conclusion of their Colonial tour aboard “Ophir”, temporarily serving as a Royal Yacht. (“Ophir” was an Orient... more information
  • 1901

    1901 - Erection of 100 ton Sheer Legs
    1901

    The 100 ton Sheer Legs were erected on the south side on No.3 Basin at a cost of £13,140 including machinery. They were built by Messrs. Cowan Sheldon & Co, Carlisle. Two... more information
  • 1902

    1902 - Arrival of First Submarines
    1902

    The first two submarines, “Holland I” & “Holland II”, arrived from Vickers at Barrow in Furness and were berthed alongside HMS “Hazard” (see 1904 & 1985).
  • 1903

    1903 - Launch of SUFFOLK
    15/01/1903

    15th January. The First Class Cruiser HMS Suffolk was launched from the Dockyard by Lady Stradbroke. She was laid down on 25th March 1901 and completed for service 21st May 1904. She... more information
    1903 - Launch of SUFFOLK
  • 1903

    1903 - Naval Barracks Completed
    30/09/1903

    30th September. The Naval Barracks were completed and opened. It had originally been an army establishment known as Anglesey Barracks. The old Lion Gate was first used as its entrance... more information
  • 1903

    1903 - HMS VICTORY Rammed
    23/10/1903

    23rd October. HMS “Victory” was rammed and nearly sunk at her mooring by old battleship “Neptune” that was under tow to the breakers yard. As Neptune came abreast of the... more information
  • 1904

    1904 - Launch of NEW ZEALAND
    04/02/1904

    4th February. The Countess of Onslow performed the christening ceremony of the new battleship HMS New Zealand. She was later renamed Zealandia and her original name given to a new... more information
    1904 - Launch of NEW ZEALAND
  • 1904

    1904 - Fort Blockhouse Becomes Submarine Base
    1904

    Submarines “Holland I”, “Holland II” and A1 berthed at Fort Blockhouse, which became the submarine base. Holland I, recovered from a watery grave is on show at the Submarine Museum... more information
  • 1904

    1904 - Submarine A1 Sunk
    18/03/1904

    18th March. While taking part in submarine experiments off the Nab the submarine A1 was struck by the liner Berwick Castle and sank with the loss of her crew of 2... more information
    1904 - Submarine A1 Sunk
  • 1904

    1904 - Return of DISCOVERY
    10/09/1904

    10th September. The Antarctic exploration ship Discovery arrived at Portsmouth after her memorable three year voyage.
  • 1904

    1904 - Launch of BRITANNIA
    10/12/1904

    10th December. Saw the launching of another battleship, HMS Britannia, by Lady Londonderry. She had the distinction of being the last British warship to be lost during World War I,... more information
    1904 - Launch of BRITANNIA
  • 1905

    1905 - Dockyard Redundancies
    27/03/1905

    27th March. It was announced that the Admiralty planned to discharge a large number of men from the Dockyard. As a result of agitation, the concession was obtained that the... more information
  • 1905

    1905 - Reception for King of Spain
    05/06/1905

    June 5th. The King of Spain arrived at Portsmouth and had a most imposing naval reception.
  • 1905

    1905 - The “Entente Cordiale”
    07/08/1905

    7th August. “Entente Cordiale”. The French Northern Squadrons anchor at Spithead and were reviewed by King Edward VII on 9th August. The French were lavishly entertained by the town.
  • 1905

    1905 - Centenary of Battle of Trafalgar
    21/10/1905

    21st October. The centenary of Nelson’s great battle was observed by many naval displays. At night HMS Victory was illuminated by electric lighting the current being supplied by a... more information
  • 1905

    1905 - HMS St Vincent Moves Ashore
    1905

    “St Vincent”, Boys Training ship, towed away and trainees move to shore establishment in Gosport.
  • 1905

    1905 - Great Factory Completed
    1905

    Great M.E.D. Factory completed.
    1905 - Great Factory Completed
  • 1906

    1906 - Launch of DREADNOUGHT
    10/02/1906

    10th February. Launch of the epoch making battleship, HMS “Dreadnought”, by King Edward VII. This ship made all other battleships obsolete and gave her name to a new class of... more information
    1906 - Launch of DREADNOUGHT
  • 1906

    1906 - Transfer Of Holy Trinity Church to Naval Authorities
    1906

    Transfer of the Holy Trinity Church to the Naval authorities at Portsmouth. The church was built in 1839 and consecrated on 30th September 1841 by the Bishop of Winchester. It had a... more information
  • 1906

    1906 - Riots in Naval Barracks
    04/11/1906

    Riots in Naval Barracks on 4th and 5th November.
  • 1907

    1907 - Launch of BELLEROPHERON
    27/07/1907

    27th July. Another great day for the dockyard as thousands of people flowed into the yard to witness the launching of the improved Dreadnought, HMS Bellerophon. The christening was performed... more information
    1907 - Launch of BELLEROPHERON
  • 1907

    1907 - Review of Home Fleet
    03/08/1907

    3rd August. A review of the re-constituted Home Fleet by King Edward VII. The fleet consisted of 188 major warships.
Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust
  • Home
  • About the Trust
  • History
  • Online Museum
  • Contact
Copyright © 2018 PRDHT
  • Like us on Facebook