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

Dockyard Timeline

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

Home
  • Home
  • About the Trust
    • History of the Trust
    • Members Page
    • Bibliography
    • Volunteer Support Group
    • Links
  • History
    • Dockyard People
    • Gallery
    • Chronology
    • Personal Accounts
    • Development of Functions and Customs
  • Online Museum
    • Oral History
    • Exhibitions
    • Docking Register
    • Employment Register
    • Trident Paper
  • Contact
    • Search the site
  • 1691

    1691 - Work begun on new wet dock
    1691

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

    1691 - Admiral poisoned
    1691

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

    1691 - Launch of HMS NORWICH
    16/07/1691

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

    1692 - Battle of Barfleur
    19/05/1692

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

    1692 - Launch of HMS RUSSELL
    03/06/1692

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

    Launch of HMS WEYMOUTH
    08/08/1693

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

    1693 - Launch of FORESTER
    02/11/1693

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

    1694 - Launch Of HMS FLY
    03/1694

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

    1694 - Launch of the MERCURY
    19/03/1694

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

    1694 - Launch of HMS NEWPORT
    07/04/1694

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

    1694 - Launch Of SCOUT
    13/07/1694

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

    1695 - Chips
    1695

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

    1695 - Launch of HMS LICHFIELD
    04/02/1695

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

    1695 - Launch of HMS SHREWSBURY
    06/02/1695

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

    1695 - Launch of EXPRESS
    1695

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

    1695 - Launch of POSTBOY
    14/04/1695

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

    1696 - Launch of FLY
    11/02/1696

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

    1697 - Launch of ASSOCIATION
    01/01/1697

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

    1697 - Launch of EXETER
    26/05/1697

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

    1697 Launch of LOOE & SEAFORD
    15/10/1697

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

    1698 - Visit of Peter the Great
    03/1698

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

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

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

    1699 - Constructon of No. 6 Dock
    1699

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

    1699 - Launch of Nassau
    02/08/1699

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

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

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

    1700 - Victualling the Fleet
    09/01/1700

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

    1700 - No. 6 (North Dock) Opened
    1700

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

    1703 - War of Spanish Succession - 1702-1713
    1703

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

    1703 - Visit by Queen Anne
    1703

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

    1703 - Launch of Yacht Portsmouth
    11/01/1703

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

    1703 - Launch of SQUIRREL
    14/06/1703

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

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

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

    1704 - Launch of ROEBUCK
    05/04/1704

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

    1704 - Capture of SQUIRREL
    28/10/1704

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

    1704 - Masthouse Built
    1704

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

    1706 - Launch of NASSAU
    09/01/1706

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

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

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

    1707 - Launch of HASTINGS
    02/10/1707

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

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

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

    1708 - Building of Porter’s Lodge
    1708

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

    1708 - Launch of CAPTAIN
    06/07/1708

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

    1708 - Launch of SAPPHIRE
    03/09/1708

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

    1709 - Launch of BOLTON
    19/07/1709

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

    1709 - Launch of BEDFORD GALLY
    24/08/1709

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

    1709 - Launch of FOWEY
    07/12/1709

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

    1710 - Construction of Paint Shop
    1710

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

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

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

    1711 - Completion of Dockyard Wall
    13/12/1711

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

    1711 - Launch of SEAHORSE
    13/02/1711

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

    1711 - Launch of SOLEBAY
    21/08/1711

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

    1711 - Launch of LAUNCESTON
    10/10/1711

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

    1711 - Launch of DOLPHIN
    07/06/1711

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

    1712 - Kings Mill
    1712

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

    1712 - Launch of SUCCESS
    30/04/1712

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

    1713 - Peace with France & Spain
    1713

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

    1715 Shortening of Long Storehouse & new Rigging House
    1715

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

    1716 - Map of Portsmouth
    1716

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

    1717 - The Parade (Long Row)
    1717

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

    1717 - Launch of NONSUCH
    29/04/1717

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

    1718 - Statue of King William III
    1718

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

    1718 - Dockyard Regiment
    1718

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

    1718 - Launch of MONMOUTH
    03/06/1718

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

    1721 - Launch of SPY
    09/10/1721

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

    1722 - Largest Dockyard
    1722

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

    1723 Construction of Shipwright’s Shed
    1723

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

    1724 - Visit by Daniel Defoe
    1724

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

    1724 - Launch of SOUTHSEA CASTLE
    10/07/1724

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

    1727 - 22 Acres added to Dockyard
    1727

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

    1729 - Visit of Stephen Martin-Leake
    01/1729

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

    1729 - HAYLING
    1729

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

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

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

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

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

    1732 - Launch of CENTURION
    06/01/1732

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

    1734 - Quay Gate
    1734

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

    1737 - Larger Shed for Shipwrights
    1737

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

    1738 - Launch of VICTORY
    23/02/1738

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

    1739 - War of the Austrian Succession 1739-48
    1739

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

    1740 - Henry Cort
    1740

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

    1741 - Smitheries Enlarged
    1741

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

    1742 - Launch of PORTSMOUTH
    30/09/1742

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

    1744 - Loss of HMS VICTORY
    1744

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

    1744 - Defences of Portsmouth
    1744

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

    1744 - Launch of SUNDERLAND
    04/04/1744

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

    1745 - Rating of Ships
    1745

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

    1745 - Launch of TILBURY
    20/07/1745

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

    1746 - Haslar Hospital
    1746

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

    1747 - Battle of Finisterre
    06/1747

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

    1747 - Tarring House
    1747

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

    1747- Construction of Hilsea Lines
    1747

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

    1747 - Portsmouth & Gosport Gazette
    02/06/1747

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

    1749 - Launch of WASP
    04/07/1749

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

    1749 - Launch of HAZARD
    03/10/1749

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

    1750 - Lord Hawk, Port Admiral
    1750

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

    1750 - Launch of GRAFTON
    29/08/1750

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

    1750 - Launch of NEWCASTLE
    04/12/1750

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

    1752 - Launch of FLY
    09/04/1752

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

    1753 - St Georges Church
    1753

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

    1753 - Launch of CHICHESTER
    04/06/1753

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

    1754 - Report by Dr Richard Pococke
    1754

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

    1754 - Launch of GIBRALTAR
    09/05/1754

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

    1755 - Royal Marines to Portsmouth
    1755

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

    1755 - Lisbon Earthquake
    03/11/1755

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

    1756 - Size of the Royal Navy
    1756

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

    1757 - Execution of Admiral Byng
    04/03/1757

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

    1757 - Portsmouth Beer
    1757

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

    1757 - Launch of NEPTUNE
    17/07/1757

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

    1757 - Launch of DORSETSHIRE
    13/12/1757

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

    1758 Capture of FOUDROYANT
    1758

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

    1758 - Purchases by Naval Victualling Office
    1758

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

    1758 - Launch of CHATHAM
    25/04/1758

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

    1759 - Destruction of Southsea Castle
    1759

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

    1759 - Year of Victories
    1759

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

    1760 - Fire in Dockyard
    03/07/1760

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

    1761 - Belle Isle & Beer!
    1761

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

    1762 - Capture of HEMIONE
    05/1762

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

    1762 - Launch of BRITANNIA
    19/10/1762

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

    1763 - No. 11 Store Built
    1763

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

    1764 - Introduction of Pensions
    12/10/1764

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

    1764 - Plans for Development of the Dockyard
    1764

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

    1764 - Launch of ASIA
    03/03/1764

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

    1765 - Launch of VICTORY
    07/05/1765

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

    1765 - Establishment of Victualling Yard
    19/05/1765

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

    1766 - Barrel Making
    1766

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

    1766 - Birth of John Pounds
    1766

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

    1767 - Launch of WARWICK
    1767

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

    1767 - Launch of AJAX
    23/12/1767

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

    1769 - Rebuilding of Great Stone Dock
    1769

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

    1769 - Priddys Hard
    1769

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

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

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

    1770 - Building of Portsea Ramparts
    1770

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

    1770 - Fire in the Dockyard
    27/07/1770

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

    1771 - Size of the Fleet
    1771

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

    1771 - Construction of New Ropehouse
    1771

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

    1771 - Dockyard Pension Scheme Extended
    25/09/1771

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

    1771 - Launch of FALCON
    15/06/1771

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

    1772 - No. 4 Dock Opened
    1772

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

    1773 - Priddys Hard Ordnance Depot
    1773

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

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

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

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

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

    1773 - Launch of PRINCESS
    18/10/1773

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

    1774 - Size of the Fleet
    1774

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

    1774 - Size of the Dockyard
    14/01/1774

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

    1775 - Employees & Strikes!
    1775

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

    1775 - Captain James Cook
    1775

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

    1775 - Launch of BERWICK
    18/04/1775

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

    1775 - Launch of SPHINX
    25/10/1775

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

    1776 - Jack the Painter
    06/12/1776

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

    1776 - Explosion in HMS MARLBOROUGH
    1776

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

    1776 - Launch of CYGNET
    24/01/1776

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

    1776 - Storekeeper’s House at Priddys Hard
    1776

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

    1776 - Launch of SWIFT
    09/01/1776

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

    1777 - Size of the Fleet
    1777

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

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

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

    1777 - Launch of LION
    03/09/1777

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

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

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

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

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

    1779 - Prince William Joins the RN
    1779

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

    1779 - Smithery Altered
    1779

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

    1779 - Cape St. Vincent
    1779

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

    1780 - Enlargement of the Dockyard
    24/04/1780

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

    1781 - Launch of CROCODILE
    24/04/1781

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

    1781 - Launch of EURYDICE
    26/03/1781

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

    1781 - Launch of WARRIOR
    18/10/1781

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

    1782 - Dockyard Development
    1782

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

    1782 - Size of the Fleet
    1782

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

    1782 - Loss of ROYAL GEORGE
    29/08/1782

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

    1782 - Fire & Works
    1782

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

    1782 - David Tyrie, Traitor
    14/08/1782

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

    1783 - Kings Stairs Built
    1783

    Kings Stairs built about this date.
  • 1784

    1784 - Long Store House Enlarged
    1784

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

    1785 - LEOPARD
    05/1785

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

    1785 - Pilfering
    1785

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

    1785 - Commissioners House (Admiralty House)
    1785

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

    1785 - St. Ann’s Church
    1785

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

    1785 - Wharfs
    1785

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

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

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

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

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

    1786 - South Office Block
    1786

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

    1786 - Size of the Fleet
    1786

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

    1786 - Convicts’ Revolt
    1786

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

    1786 - Mast Pond & Other Works
    1786

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

    1787 - The First Fleet
    13/05/1787

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

    1787 - Shipwrights & Sawyers
    1787

    The Dockyard employed 752 shipwrights and 134 sawyers.
  • 1787

    1787 - Short Row
    1787

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

    1787 - HMS BOUNTY
    1787

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

    1787 - Wharfs
    1787

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

    1788 - Eastern Part of South Office Block
    1788

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

    1789 - Tarring House Enlarged
    1789

    Tarring House enlarged.
  • 1789

    1789 - Launch of SERPENT
    03/12/1789

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

    1790 - Launch of FURY
    1790

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

    1790 - No.1 Dock
    11/08/1790

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

    1790 - Size of the Dockyard
    1790

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

    1791 - Dockyard Works
    1791

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

    1792 - Portsea & Dockyard Works
    1792

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

    1793 - Size of the Fleet
    1793

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

    1793 - Launch of SWIFT
    05/10/1793

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

    1793 - Wharfs
    1793

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

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

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

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

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

    1794 - Dockyard Works
    1794

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

    1795 - Description of Portsmouth
    1795

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

    1795 - Sir Samuel Bentham (1757 - 1831)
    1795

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

    1795 - Great Ship Basin
    29/05/1795

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

    1795 - Semaphore Service
    1795

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

    1795 - Loss of BOYNE
    01/04/1795

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

    1795 - Boat House Channel & Mast Pond Work
    1795

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

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

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

    1797 - Naval Mutiny at Spithead
    15/04/1797

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

    1797 - Armoury at Gunwharf
    1797

    The Armoury built at Gunwharf.
  • 1797

    1797 - Dockyard Works
    1797

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

    1797 - First Steam Engine
    21/12/1797

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

    1798 - Dockyard Pay Office Built
    1798

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

    1798 - Dockyard Works to Bentham Plans
    1798

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

    1799 - Dockyard Works
    1799

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

    1800 - Dockyard Works
    1800

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

    1801 - Size of the Fleet
    1801

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

    1801 - Brunel Block-making Machinery
    1801

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

    1801 - Boulton & Watt Engines
    11/04/1801

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

    1801 - Launch of DREADNOUGHT
    13/06/1801

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

    1801 - Artificers’ Riot
    1801

    170 artificers discharged for involvement in riots.
  • 1801

    1801 - Great Ship Basin
    12/06/1801

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

    1801 - “Chips” Forbidden
    01/07/1801

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

    1801 - Naval Wardens
    26/10/1801

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

    1801 - New Dockyard Water Supply
    27/10/1801

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

    1801 - Dockyard Works
    1801

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

    1801 - Dockyard Chain Barrier
    1801

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

    1802 - No. 2 Dock Completed
    1802

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

    1802 - HMS TEMERAIRE Mutiny
    01/1802

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

    1802 - Launch of GRAMPUS
    20/03/1802

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

    1802 - Steam Dredger
    11/04/1802

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

    1802 - The Block Mills
    14/04/1802

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

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

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

    1803 - Napoleonic War
    1803

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

    1803 - No. 3 & 4 Docks Opened
    1803

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

    1803 - Tunnel from South East Dock to Mast Pond
    1803

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

    1805 - Nelson & Trafalgar
    14/09/1805

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

    1805 - Size of the Fleet
    1805

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

    1806 - Birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
    1806

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

    1806 - Launch of ALEXANDRIA
    1806

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

    1807 - Launch of BULWARK
    23/04/1807

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

    1807 - Block Mills Capacity
    10/10/1807

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

    1807 - John Dickens Starts Work in Dockyard
    1807

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

    1808 - Launch of BRAZEN
    26/05/1808

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

    1808 - Launch of PODARGUS
    26/05/1808

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

    1809 - Launch of ZEPHYR
    28/04/1809

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

    1809 - AUGUSTA Cancelled
    1809

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

    1810 - Launch of PYRAMUS
    20/01/1810

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

    1810 - Launch of PRIMROSE
    20/01/1810

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

    1810 - Launch of BOYNE
    03/07/1810

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

    1811 - School of Naval Architecture
    1811

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

    1811 - Grand Storehouse Begun
    1811

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

    1811 - Launch of HERMES
    08/07/1811

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

    1812 - Birth of Charles Dickens
    07/02/1812

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

    1812 - Launch of CHILDERS
    08/07/1812

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

    1812 - Launch of LACEDEMONIAN
    21/12/1812

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

    1813 - Launch of GRASSHOPPER
    17/05/1813

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

    1813 - Launch of VINDICTIVE
    23/11/1813

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

    1813 - Improvement of Hilsea Lines
    1813

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

    1813 - Size of the Dockyard
    09/1813

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

    1813 - French Prisoners of War
    1813

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

    1814 - Launch of ICARUS
    18/08/1814

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

    1814 - A Royal Inspection
    1814

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

    1815 - First Steamship in Portsmouth
    09/06/1815

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

    1815 - Battle of Waterloo
    18/06/1815

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

    1815 - Size of Dockyard & Pension Society Founded
    1815

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

    1816 - Post War Discharge of Personnel
    1816

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

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

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

    1816 - School of Naval Architecture Opened
    1816

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

    1816 - HMS VICTORY Moored in Portsmouth Harbour
    1816

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

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

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

    1818 - Launch of WATERLOO
    16/10/1818

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

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

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

    1819 - Launch of CYGNET
    11/05/1819

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

    1819 - Launch of DELIGHT
    10/06/1819

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

    1820 - Southsea Castle Lighthouse
    1820

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

    1820 - Launch of PRINCE REGENT
    30/05/1820

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

    1820 - Launch of MINERVA
    13/06/1820

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

    1820 - Launch of JASPER
    13/10/1820

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

    1820 - Launch of BRITOMART
    24/08/1820

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

    1820 - Launch of RANGER
    07/12/1820

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

    1821 - More Dockyard Lay-offs
    1821

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

    1821 - Launch of MARTIN
    18/05/1821

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

    1821 - Launch of ROSE
    01/06/1821

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

    1821 - Launch of PLOVER
    30/06/1821

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

    1821 - Launch of FERRET
    12/10/1821

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

    1822 - Dockyard Re-organised with Major Redundancies
    1822

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

    1822 - Semaphore Tower Erected
    1822

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

    1822 - First Steam Vessels in Use
    1822

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

    1823 - Launch of ARROW
    20/03/1823

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

    1823 - Launch of TWEED
    04/04/1823

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

    1823 - Launch of PHILOMEL
    23/04/1823

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

    1823 - Launch of ROYALIST
    13/05/1823

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

    1823 - Launch of CARNATIC
    21/10/1823

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

    1824 - Royal Marine Artillery
    1824

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1825 - Status of Dockyard Commissioner
    1825

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

    1826 - Launch of CHALLENGER
    14/11/1826

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

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

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

    1827 - Launch of SAPPHIRE
    31/01/1827

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

    1827 - Loss of DIAMOND
    13/02/1827

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

    1827 - Launch of SYLVIA
    24/03/1827

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

    1827 - Spithead Review by Duke of Clarence
    1827

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

    1827 - PENELOPE Dismantled
    1827

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

    1828 - Gosport Victualling Yard
    1828

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

    1829 - Launch of PRESIDENT
    20/04/1829

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

    1829 - Launch of FAVOURITE
    21/04/1829

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

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

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

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

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

    1830 - Launch of SEAFLOWER
    18/05/1830

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

    1830 - Old Smithery Converted
    11/1830

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

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

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

    1831 - Launch of THALIA
    12/01/1831

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

    1831 - Launch of ACTEON
    31/01/1831

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

    1831 - Launch of Yacht FANNY
    26/02/1831

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

    1831 - Launch of CHARYBDIS
    28/02/1831

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

    1831 - ARGUS & EUPHRATES Scrapped
    03/1831

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

    1832 - First Admiral Superintendent Appointed
    1832

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

    1832 - Launch of NEPTUNE
    27/09/1832

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

    1832 - No. 6 Dock Covered
    1832

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

    1833 - Dockyard Redundancies
    1833

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

    1833 - Launch of RACER
    18/07/1833

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

    1833 - Launch of LYNX
    18/07/1833

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

    1833 - Dockyard Police Established
    1833

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

    1833 - Semaphore Tower Erected
    1833

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

    1834 - Director of Police Established
    27/02/1834

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

    1834 - Launch of BUZZARD
    24/03/1834

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

    1834 - Visits to the Dockyard
    1834

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

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

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

    1835 - Size of the Fleet
    1835

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

    1835 - HMS PIQUE
    22/09/1835

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

    1835 - Mast Sheer Legs
    1835

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

    1836 - Smuggling
    14/01/1836

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

    1836 - Launch of ICONSTANT
    16/06/1836

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

    1836 - Launch of HAZARD
    21/04/1836

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

    1836 - Launch of VOLCANO
    29/06/1836

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

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

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

    1837 - Launch of ELECTRA
    17/02/1837

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

    1837 - Abolition of Pillory
    30/06/1837

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

    1837 - Fire Aboard COLONIST
    27/10/1837

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

    1838 - Launch of TERMAGANT
    26/03/1838

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

    1838 - Cancellation of ROYAL SOVEREIGN
    1838

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

    1839 - Screw v Paddle Contest
    1839

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

    1839 - Death of John Pounds
    01/01/1839

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

    1839 - Launch of INDUS
    16/03/1839

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

    1839 - Launch of ROYAL FREDERICK
    15/05/1839

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

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

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

    1839 - Dockyard Strike
    06/1839

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

    1839 - Launch of STROMBOLI
    27/08/1839

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

    1839 - Clearance of ROYAL GEORGE Wreck
    09/1839

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

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

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

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

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

    1840 - Launch of BITTERN
    18/04/1840

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

    1840 - Launch of RAPID
    03/06/1840

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

    1840 - Launch of DRIVER
    24/12/1840

    24th December. The wooden steam sloop Driver was launched from the Dockyard. She saw service in many of the colonial wars including the Crimea War. Sadly she was wrecked on... more information
Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust
  • Home
  • About the Trust
  • History
  • Online Museum
  • Contact
Copyright © 2018 PRDHT
  • Like us on Facebook