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
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
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, killed by an arrow in the... more information
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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).
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 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‟.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
“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.
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
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
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
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
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)
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 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
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.
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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. 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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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. 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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).
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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 on behalf... more information
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
July. Boiler explosion on HMS “Thunderer” while she was at Spithead kills 30 men. A local relief fund amounting to £5.000 was raised for the sufferers.
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
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
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
“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”).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
27th January. The small cruiser HMS Pandora was launched by Mrs Napier the daughter of Admiral Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
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).
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
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
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
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
The first two submarines, “Holland I” & “Holland II”, arrived from Vickers at Barrow in Furness and were berthed alongside HMS “Hazard” (see 1904 & 1985).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
11th November. The German Emperor arrived at Portsmouth in his Royal Yacht “Hohenzollern” escorted by a squadron of German warships. There was much profession of friendship and concord by the... more information
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