Dockyard Timeline

Admiral Sir John Berry poisoned aboard ship in Portsmouth harbour.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

In the late 1690’s work started at Portsmouth on a new dry dock that had been drawn up by Edmund Dummer, Surveyor to the Navy Board. Dummer’s career started... more information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Royal 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)

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.4 Dock opened. Dockyard area at this date was 66 acres.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tarring House enlarged.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

170 artificers discharged for involvement in riots.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First School of Naval Architecture founded in the dockyard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Royal Marine Artillery comes to Portsmouth from Chatham.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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