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Dockyard Timeline

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

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  • 1497

    1497 - First Ships Launched
    1497

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

    1509 - Building of the Mary Rose
    1509

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

    1509 - Receipts
    29/01/1510

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

    1511 - Henry VIII Charter
    1511

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

    1512 - Henry VIII reviewed ships
    1512

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

    1513 - Victualling Built
    1513

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

    1517 - Size of Henry VIII navy
    1517

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

    1521 - Naval Storehouse
    1521

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

    1522 - Ye Mightie Chaine of Yron
    02/1522

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

    1523 - Henry Grace a Dieu
    1523

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

    1526 - Keeper of the Dock
    1526

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

    1527 - Dockyard expansion
    1527

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

    1536 - Mary Rose remodelled
    1536

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

    C1538 - Southsea Castle building
    1538

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

    1539 - Map of Portsmouth
    1539

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

    1540 - Expenses of the King’s Ships
    1540

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

    1542 - Clerk of Stores
    1542

    Appointment of Clerk of the Stores at Portsmouth.
  • 1544

    1544 - Henry VIII sailed from Portsmouth
    1544

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

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

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

    1546 - Royal Patent
    24/04/1546

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

    1548 - List of Ships of the Navy
    1548

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

    1550 - Edward VI charter
    1550

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

    1552 - Edward VI Review of the Fleet
    1552

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

    1557 - Fire in Naval Store House
    1557

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

    1558 - Plague
    17/11/1558

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

    1560 - Refortification of Portsmouth
    08/1560

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

    1561 - Elizabethan Charter
    1561

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

    1563 - Plague
    1563

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

    1565 - Royal Commission
    1565

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

    1570 - Dockyard Fire
    1570

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

    1576 - Storehouse Fire
    04/08/1576

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

    1582 - Queen Review
    1582

    Queen Elizabeth I reviewed the fleet at Spithead.
  • 1584

    1584 - Square Tower
    1584

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

    1585 - Roanoak Colony
    7/7/1585

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

    1588 - Armada
    24/7/1588

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

    1591 - Queen visit
    1591

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

    1600 - Second Elizabethan Charter
    1600

    Queen Elizabeth granted 2nd charter
  • 1603

    1603 - Queen Dies
    24/03/1603

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

    1604 - Navy List
    1604

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

    1618 - Naval Reform
    1618

    Reform of the Navy Board.
  • 1620

    1620 - Beer Contract
    1620

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

    1623 - Dry Dock filled
    1623

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

    1625 - Plague
    1625

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

    1626 - soldier listing
    1626

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

    1627 - Charles I visit
    1627

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

    1628 - Duke of Buckingham Murdered
    23/08/1628

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

    1630 - Master Shipwrights
    1630

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

    1631 - King Visit
    2/8/1632

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

    1632 - Portchester Castle sold
    1632

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

    1633 - Navy Ships List
    1633

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

    1635 - Building Restrictions
    1635

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

    1638 - Master Shipwright
    1638

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

    1642 - Royalist Portsmouth
    2/8/1642

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

    1645 - Bombardments of Gosport
    1645

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

    1649 - Commonwealth
    29/5/1649

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

    1650 - The Portsmouth launched
    1650

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

    1652 - Ships List
    1652

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

    1653 - The Hampshire launched
    1653

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

    1654 - Spithead Mutiny
    1654

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

    1655 - Graving Dock
    1655

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

    1656 - double dock built
    1656

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

    1658 - Navy List
    1658

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

    1659 - The Portsmouth II Launched
    1659

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

    1660 - Charles II visit
    1660

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

    1661 - Governor of Portsmouth
    1/5/1661

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

    1661 - Navy Commissioners
    14/8/1661

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

    1662 - Samuel Pepys Visits
    23/4/1662

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

    1662 - Storehouse costs
    24/5/1662

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

    1662 - Pepys Diary Entry
    30/4/1662

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

    1662 - Royal Marriage
    21/5/1662

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

    1662 - Storehouse delays
    4/12/1662

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

    1663 - Dockyard expansion
    1663

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

    1664 - Royal Marines Established
    17/5/1664

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

    1664 - New Mast Pond
    27/8/1664

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

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

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

    1665 - New Admiralty Residency
    1665

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

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

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

    1665 - Workmen
    1/7/1665

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

    1665 - Fortification of Dockyard
    9/8/1665

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

    1665 - Sick in Portchester Castle
    15/8/1665

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

    1665 - Dockyard Commissioners House
    30/8/1665

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

    1665 - Dockyard Commissioners House Furniture
    15/9/1665

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

    1666 - Dockyard
    29/3/1666

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

    1666 - Dockyard Employment
    8/4/1666

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

    1667 - Garrison Fortifications
    31/3/1667

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

    1668 - Defence of Portsmouth
    1668

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

    1669 - Mast House
    1669

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

    1670 - Royal Navy Created
    1670

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

    1671 - Pepys Visit
    1671

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

    1672 - Charles II Visit
    1672

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

    1673 - New Commissioner of Dockyard
    1673

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

    1674 - Staff cuts
    1674

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

    1675 - Charles II nearly drowns
    1675

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

    1677 - Dockyard Expansion
    1677

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

    1678 - Ship building in Portsmouth
    1678

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

    1682 - Uniting Charter
    1682

    Charles II charter united Portsmouth and Gosport.
  • 1683

    1683 - Pepys sails from Portsmouth
    2/4/1683

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

    1684 - Dockyard Decay
    1684

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

    1685 - Plan to Save Navy
    1685

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

    1687 - Dockyard Funding
    1687

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

    1688 - Navy List
    1688

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

    1689 - Dockyard Survey
    29/5/1689

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