Dockyard Timeline

King Alfred strengthened the defences of Portchester.

Portchester Castle acquired by the Crown. (See 1632)

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

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

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

Henry II embarked for Normandy in August

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

Fourth Charter granted by Henry III.

Prince Edward sailed from Portsmouth in August on crusade.

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

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

Edward II confirmed town charter.

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

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

French again sacked the town killing many inhabitants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Henry IV granted charter

English fleet blockaded by French at Portsmouth.

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

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

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

Henry VII granted charter.

“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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Appointment of Clerk of the Stores at Portsmouth.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Queen Elizabeth granted 2nd charter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

“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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

First volunteer Dockyard Regiment raised (See 1848).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Stone Dock (see 1689) rebuilt and renamed North Basin Dock (now No 5 Dock).

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Kings Stairs built about this date.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

The Dockyard employed 752 shipwrights and 134 sawyers.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

The Armoury built at Gunwharf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Nos. 3 and 4 Docks opened (see 1825 and 1772)

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

First School of Naval Architecture founded in the dockyard.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

The Royal Marine Artillery comes to Portsmouth from Chatham.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

218 dockyard men discharged. (See 1822).

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queen Victoria inspected British & French ships at Spithead .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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..

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

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

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

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

Iron Foundry and Pattern Shop opened.

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

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

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.

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

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

Dock No. 10 opened.

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

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

Royal Navy Reserve created.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Admiralty Chemical Laboratory established in the Dockyard.

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

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

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

20th May. (Great Extension) No 12 Dry Dock structurally completed.

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

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