Work begun on a new Wet Dock (now the reservoir), the Great Stone Dock
(No. 5), The Great Basin (2/3rd of No. 1 Basin) and a building
slip on the site of... more information
16th July. The 4th rate ship Norwich of 48 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was of the same class as the Weymouth and Litchfield.
On commissioning she sailed for... more information
The deposed ex-King James II, aided by Louis XIV of France, assembled a large army of 30,000 men and 500 transports at La Hogue with a French fleet in the Channel. But... more information
3rd June. The 2nd rate ship Russell of 80 guns was launched. She was at the Battle of Cartagena in 1741; and sunk as a breakwater at Sheerness in 1762.
8th August. The 4th rate ship Weymouth of 48 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was re-built at Woolwich in 1718 and broken up at Portsmouth in 1732.
March. The Brigantine Fly of 6 guns was launched from the yard; this type of vessel was small, lightly-built with fine lines, and intended to row with sweeps as well as... more information
Chips. The Admiralty tries to restrict the abuse of the perquisite of “chips” “lawfully to such as falls from the axe”. Chips are not to be gathered and laid aside... more information
4th February. The 4th rate ship Lichfield of 48 guns was launched. Originally named after the Roundhead victory at the Battle of Lichfield in 1643, she was in action against the French... more information
6th February. The 2nd rate ship Shrewsbury of 80 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She fought at Velez Malaga on the 13th August 1704. In this battle Admiral Sir Gorge Rook... more information
1st January. The 2nd rate ship Association of 90 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was part of Admiral Sir George Rook’s Anglo-Dutch fleet of 25 sail-of-the-line that attacked a... more information
15th October. Two ships were launched from the dockyard on this date. The 5th rate ship Looe of 32 guns was later lost in Scratchwell bay on the back of the... more information
In the late 1690’s work started at Portsmouth on a new dry dock that had been drawn up by Edmund Dummer, Surveyor to the Navy Board. Dummer’s career started... more information
2nd August. Saw the launching of the 3rd Rate Ship Nassau of 80 guns from the Dockyard. She was with Admiral Rook in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 and in the... more information
31st October. Two vessels were launched on this date, the sloop Swift of 4 guns was captured by French Privateer’s men of the Scillies on 18th August 1702.
The other vessel... more information
Victualling also greatly added to the wealth of the town for much of the produce came from local industry and the table below gives some idea as to its importance:
... more information
Queen Anne visited the Dockyard and, at the intercession of the Prince Consort, allowed shipwrights and dockyard workers to build on Portsmouth Common (Portsea). Street names in the area commemorate... more information
11th January. The Yacht Portsmouth of 6 guns was launched from the Dockyard, thought to have been intended as a Commissioner’s yacht. In 1741 an order was placed at Portsmouth to... more information
14th June. Launching of the 6th rate ship Squirrel of 20 guns. She was an unfortunate vessel as soon after completion, she was on her first voyage off Dungeness when she... more information
During the visit of Queen Anne the Dockyard men petitioned the Queen that it was too far for them to go to St. Mary’s at Fratton during the day... more information
The 5th April saw the launching from the Dockyard of the 5th rate ship Roebuck of 42 guns. She was re-built at Woolwich in 1733 and finally sunk at Sheerness to form... more information
28th October. The 6th rate ship Squirrel of 20 guns was launched from the Yard. She was captured by 3 French ships at the back of the Goodwin Sands on 7th July 1706;... more information
Between 1704-14 a Masthouse was built just inside the Gate (Victory Gate) on the waters edge, with a paved stone beach that formed a slipway. From a plan of that... more information
9th January. The 3rd rate ship Nassau of 70 guns was launched from the Dockyard, she was the same class as the Captain and Monmouth; broken up in 1736.
2nd October. The 5th Rate ship Hastings of 44 guns was launched from the Yard; hulked in 1739 for Dockyard use and later sold in 1745 to a private buyer and converted into... more information
22nd November. The Hoy Truelove was launched she was deleted after 1770. Also the Hoy Unity was launched from the Yard this year; she was discarded in 1773.
Porter’s Lodge built beside Main Gate built. This is the Dockyard’s oldest recognised building. The employment of a Dockyard Porter was initiated in 1649 by the first Admiralty Commissioner,... more information
3rd September. The 4th rate ship Sapphire of 44 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was hulked in 1739 for Dockyard use and sold out of service in May 1745.
19th July. The armed yacht Bolton of 6 guns was launched. In 1763 she was found to be entirely decayed but in 1773 she was refitted for the young gentlemen of the Academy... more information
24th August. The Bedford Gally was launched; she was a re-build of another vessel, she was later converted into a fire-ship and in 1725 expended as a breakwater.
Thomas Ridge and James Dixon forced to admit fraud to a Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry over the supply of beer to the Navy. Ridge claimed to have delivered 124,400 barrels of... more information
Dockyard Wall from Main Gate to Bonfire Corner completed at a cost of £1062. (See 1939-45).
3th December The Dockyard Wall and Main Gate (now Victory Gate) was declared complete by... more information
21st August. The Solebay a 6th rate ship of 20 guns was launched; she had a chequered career as in 1726 she was converted into a bomb vessel with 3 mortars; in 1734 she... more information
10th October. The 5th rate ship Launceston of 40 guns was launched. She was rebuilt in 1727 and re-named the Princess Louisa; she was wrecked on the Dutch coast on 29th December 1736.
7th June. The 5th rate ship Dolphin of 40 guns was launched, she was a re-build of another vessel; latter rated as a 20 guns, 6th rate ship, she was broken up... more information
Royal Navy (at peace with France and Spain), consisted of 131 ships of the line and 116 other vessels (total 247) with a tonnage of just over 67,000 tons
Long Storehouse had to be shortened for lack of repairs.
New Rigging House built with additional storey for cordage room. It incorporated a clock cupola. Demolished after 1746.
The Parade (Long Row) built. It was said to have been the design of the Master Shipwright at the time, John Naish. To the rear of these buildings were long... more information
Gilded statue of King William III. Richard Norton, who was the grandson and heir of Colonel Richard Norton (he was a supporter and friend of Oliver Cromwell), presented the Commissioner... more information
Daniel Defoe visited the town and described the Dockyard –
“The strength of the town is also considerably augmented on the land-side by fortifications raised in King William’s time about... more information
10th July. The Southsea Castle, a 5th rate ship of 40 guns, was launched from the Yard. She was a re-build from parts of another vessel. She was sold out of... more information
A further 22 acres added to the Dockyard with new brick built offices, houses, ropewalks and workshops to replace wooden buildings. This area was reclaimed from mudland.
In January Stephen Martin-Leake, Clerk to the Navy Pay Office visited Portsmouth and wrote “the dockyard is a fine place…more compact than any other (Dockyard) and the docks are... more information
Hayling (sometimes known as Heylin) was built in the Dockyard as a Hoy; Hoys were normally coastal cargo craft with a single mast, gaffed rigged and a single fore sail;... more information
Royal Naval Academy founded by George II. Built at a cost of £5,772. The foundation stone to the Royal Naval Academy was laid 8th May on the north side under the... more information
Royal Navy had 124 ships of the line and 114 other craft (total 238).
Dockyard employed 119 officers and 2318 men.
Additional building slip created south east of theGreat Basin. (See 1700)
6th January. The 4th rate ship Centurion of 60 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was Anson’s flagship when he circumnavigated the world 1740-44.
Anson was a post-captain at... more information
Quay Gate (King Georges Gate) built at east side of the Camber.
In c1860 most of this gate was destroyed but parts of it are supposed to have
been incorporated... more information
23rd February. The 1st rate ship of the line Victory of 100 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was the last First Rate in the English navy to be armed... more information
Henry Cort was born in Lancaster in 1740. Cort moved into Surrey Street in the Strand at London and found employment as an agent for the Royal Navy. It was while... more information
30th September. The yacht Portsmouth was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the Surveyor, Lock, possibly as the Commissioner’s Yacht; she was 59 feet 6 inches in length. In 1793... more information
HMS “Victory”, Sir John Balchens flagship, wrecked off Alderney with the loss of the whole crew, many of whom came from Portsmouth. This 100 gun ship, originally called “Royal James” (See 1675)... more information
Determined attempt to revise and re-build the defences of Portsmouth (Map of Portsmouth Town and Dockyard, showing interesting detail, by John Peter Desmaretz – British Library Maps K. Top. XIV.28).
4th April. The 4th rate ship Sunderland of 58 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was a rebuilt ship and may have been the Sunderland that was built at Chatham... more information
Master Shipwrights in Dockyards ordered to consult and determine the dimensions for ships of each class (1st to 6th rates). Anthony Deane (See 1670) originally determined the size of the various... more information
First Battle of Finisterre in May with Admiral Anson bringing in 6 captured French warships and 6 merchantmen. Treasure was sent to London in 20 wagons.
31st October. 2nd Battle of Finisterre. Admiral... more information
2nd June. The first newspaper to be circulated in Portsmouth was the Portsmouth and Gosport Gazette. It was however a localized edition of the Salisbury Journal.
29th August. The 3rd rate ship Grafton of 70 guns was launched. She saw action against the Spanish at Porto Nova in 1759 and again off Manilla in 1761. She was sold out... more information
4th December. The 4th rate ship Newcastle of 50 guns was launched from the Yard. Saw action against the French at Sadras in the East Indies during 1758 and in the same... more information
9th April. The sloop Fly of 8 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She gave her name to a class of two vessels, the other being called Ranger.
They were built... more information
4th June. The Chichester a 3rd rate ship of 74 guns was launched from the yard; she was at the battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759 and she saw action against the... more information
Dr Richard Pococke mentions “a large brewhouse, bakehouse and cooperage for the Dock(yard) “in the town, he also mentions “a well in the Dock(yard) at which ships water”.... more information
Royal Marines first came to Portsmouth and billeted in Hilsea Barracks. They moved to barracks in what is now Peacock Lane (originally Barrack Street) in 1783.
3rd November. A great earthquake struck Lisbon, Portugal.
Strangely this was felt in Portsmouth Dockyard but not in the town. At about half past ten in the morning, the vessel... more information
4th March. Execution of Admiral Byng on board HMS Monarque by firing squad at Spithead for failing to press home an attack on the French at Minorca in 1756. On the... more information
1757. We find an Admiral writing from his ship in Torbay declaring that the Plymouth beer was so bad that it employs the whole time of the seamen throwing it overboard.... more information
17th July. The Neptune a 2nd rate ship of 90 guns was launched from the yard. In 1784 she was converted to a sheer hulk in the Dockyard; being broken up in 1816.
Admiral Saunders arrived at Spithead with captured French ships “Foudroyant” (84 guns) and “Orpheus” (64 guns). 1,000 French prisoners of war were lodged in Portchester Castle.
(Note: the above “Foudroyant” was wrecked on... more information
The Navy Victualling Office was purchasing 800 hogs and 200 oxen a week which were processed into salted meat at the Victualling Yard. Hooves and offal were turned into portable soup for... more information
25th April. The Chatham a 4th rate ship of 50 guns was launched from the yard. She became a convalescent ship at Plymouth, transferred to Falmouth in 1797, and in 1805 a floating... more information
Large part of Southsea Castle destroyed by an explosion in the magazine (see c1538-1544, 1628)
2,099 men employed in Dockyard and another 689 employed for ships in reserve.
Royal Navy had 127 ships of the line and 285 other craft (total 412).
Admiral Hawke returned to Portsmouth after victory against the French at Quiberon Bay. (1759 is known as the “Year of... more information
3rd. July 1760 a fire broke out just after midnight in one of the major storehouses of the yard that contained large quantities of pitch, tar, turpentine and other combustible materials,... more information
May. The Active in company with the Favourite captured the Spanish treasure ship Hemione that proved to be one of the richest prizes ever to be brought to Spithead. The... more information
19th October. The 1st rate ship Britannia of 100 guns was launched from the Dockyard after being 11 years on the slipway. She was a sister ship to the Royal George that... more information
In 1764, the Earl of Egmount who was head of the Admiralty proposed a plan of improvements for Portsmouth Dockyard, which was laid before the King and approved. In the plan... more information
3rd March. The 3rd rate ship Asia of 64 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was one of Slade’s designs and said to be the first of the true 64... more information
7th May. HMS “Victory” launched at Chatham after 6 years on the stocks. She is the 5th ship of that name (2,162 tons, 104 guns) The keel was laid on 23rd July 1759 in... more information
19th May. The victualling yard at Gosport was established. It would not be until 1st July 1831 that the Weevil Yard at Gosport would become the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard, Gosport.
In 1766 the Board of Admiralty centralised all barrel making at Gosport and built a fine new Cooperage that was to last until the abolition of the navy rum issue on 3... more information
John Pounds born in St Mary’s Street (now Highbury Street). He worked in the Dockyard as a shipwright until he was crippled in an accident. He then set up... more information
28th February. The 4th rate ship Warwick of 50 guns was launched from the Yard. She became a stores and accommodation ship; she was sold to a private buyer in 1802.
23rd December. The 3rd rate ship Ajax of 74 guns was launched.
Her life was relatively short but very active, seeing action with the Spanish at Saint Vincent, the French off... more information
17th October. Two ships were launched from the Dockyard this year and on the same day. The first was the Worcester, a 3rd rate ship of 64 gun designed by Slade;... more information
27th July. At about 5 o’clock on the morning of 27th July 1770 a sentinel on duty in Dockyard discovered a fire that had burst into life in the middle of... more information
In 1771 the new Rope House was built. In shipbuilding of the last century the prime movers of the dockyard were the Shipwright, Engineering and Electrical; but in 1771 it was the... more information
15th June. The 14 gun sloop Falcon was launched from the Yard. She was scuttled as a block ship at Narrangansett Bay on 5th August 1778; raised but foundered when trying to... more information
Priddys Hard Ordnance Deport largely completed at Gosport (see 1769). At about this date Square Tower ceased use as a magazine and was adapted for use as a meat store in 1779.
22nd June. King George III reviewed fleet at Spithead and inspected the Dockyard; he was saluted by 232 guns. He was welcomed by the Dockyard men, who wore green boughs in... more information
August 27th. James Templar & Thomas Parlby were contracted to carry out and complete all wharfs to the Camber, Mast Pond piers and to deepen it, setting stone in terras... more information
18th October. The 2nd rate ship Princess Royal of 90 guns was launched from the Dockyard. She was reduced to 74 guns in 1800 and was broken up at Portsmouth in 1811.
The value of work performed at the Camber between 16th May 1774 & 27th
September 1776 was £14493. 11s. 10d.
14th January. census of the yard showed that on the 14th January 1774 there... more information
18th April. The 3rd rate ship of 74 guns, Berwick was launched from the Dockyard. She had a unhappy career when, being damaged during a storm in the Mediterranean and was... more information
7th December. John The Painter. At about 4 o’clock in the afternoon a fire broke out in the Dockyard by which the whole of the Great Double Rope House was... more information
Royal Navy had 121 ships of the line and 271 other vessels (total 396). By the following year there were 131 ships of the line and 319 other craft (total 450).
18th February. The contract was signed between Messrs Templar and Templar, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for erecting the Middle Storehouse (No.10) and to take in hand the... more information
3rd September. The 3rd rate, 64 gun ship Lion that had been built to the design of Slade, was launched from the Dockyard. She saw much service in the Far East... more information
4th May. George III and Queen Charlotte came to Portsmouth on a five day visit during which they inspected the Dockyard and reviewed the fleet.
To celebrate the King’s... more information
No. 17 Store built.
New Rigging House on west side of Camber was commenced, it ran parallel to 9, 10 & 11 Stores on the east side of the Camber. The building was complete... more information
24th April.
Began driving piles for Enlargement of Dockyard by 15 acres.The value of work performed at the Camber between 1780 1784; digging foundations and pumping etc. was £20807. 19s. 3d.
In 1785 works... more information
18th October. The 3rd rate ship of the line Warrior was launched from the Yard. After a distinguished fighting career she was hulked and converted into a receiving ship at... more information
1782. Eight fine buildings were in the course of building as storehouses and workshops. These were sited in pairs too the northwest and southwest of Long Row with the timber berth... more information
29th August. “Royal George” (100 guns) being on the heel overset and sank at Spithead with the loss of Admiral Kempenfelt, most of the crew, families and traders who were aboard... more information
Serious fire at the Hard destroyed several houses.
1782-4. Works to the Boat Channel, Slipway etc. £2146. 9s. 2d.
1783 & 1784. Works to the Wharfs at Watering Island £8131. 5s. 10d.
Wharfs at... more information
14th August. A David Tyrie, who being a Civil Servant in the Portsmouth Navy Office was observed, by a woman’s curiosity, transacting the sale of vital information to the... more information
May. The 50 gun ship Leopard that had been laid down in January 1776 was taken to pieces and transported to Sheerness and reassembled, she was launched there on 24th April 1790.
To stop pilfering the Admiralty issued the following order:
No persons is to pass out of the Dock Gate with great coats, large trousers or any other dress that may... more information
Work started on The Commissioner’s Residence, later known as Admiralty House. Designed by Samuel Wyatt. The Admiralty Clerk of Works was Thomas Telford. The house was used by Emperor... more information
St Ann’s Church built in 8 months to the design of John Marquand. The Admiralty Surveyor, Thomas Telford, was appointed Clerk of Works for the job and the builders were... more information
5th October. Saw the 2nd rate ship St. George of 98 guns launched from the Yard. She was with Lord Nelson at Copenhagen in 1801. On Christmas Eve 1811, while returning from the... more information
8th January. The last service in St. Ann’s church conducted by the Rev. Mr. Bayley. By the 10th March the old church was pulled down.
4th February. The New... more information
1786 saw the completion of the yard’s first purpose built Offices which to-day is the west-wing of the South Office Block and is the earliest surviving naval office block; these... more information
Stone piers for new Mast Pond. £4320.
Stone Wharfs at the East end of the Boat Pond: Exclusive of discount £2886.
Works to Offices, Joiners and shop and Saw pits £960.
13th May. “First Fleet” of 13 ships including flagship HMS “Sirius” (see 1939-45) sailed for Australia.They arrived at Botany Bay and then moved to Sydney Cove where the first European... more information
Short Row (1786-87), Georgian houses built for Dockyard officers and situated in the apex of the trace of the old de Gomme fortifications at what was known as Bonfire Corner.... more information
Captain Bligh in command of HMS “Bounty” sailed from Portsmouth.
The crew mutinied in the South Seas and Bligh sailed an open boat with 18 loyal crew to Timor (3,618 miles).
Three... more information
The eastern half of South Office Block built as stores (now offices). The designer was said to have been George White, Master Shipwright; the design was dictated by the western... more information
3rd December. The Hound class sloop Serpent was launched. She was originally to be called Porcupine. She Foundered in the West Indies September 1806 with the loss of all hands.
2nd March. Saw the launching of the second Hound class sloop Fury of 16 guns from the Yard she was later converted into a bomb vessel in 1798 and saw service in... more information
11th August. New Dock proposed. The South pier and dam of new Dock (No. 1 Dry Dock) £3330. 2s. 2d.
Works to stone wharf adjacent to new dock commenced.
Store £252. 15s. 8d.
Boat House Channel wharfs etc. £2832. 16s. 4d.
Works to the North side of the Reservoir £7639. 14s. 4d.
Works continued £315. 14s. 8d.
Expense of the stone wharf and... more information
Portsmouth Common renamed Portsea (see 1703).Wharfs continued with the formation of a dam £1683. 8s. 9d. to New Dock. Mast house slip £265. 19s. 4d. 3rd March.
Began setting Portland stone for... more information
5th October. The Hawk class sloop Swift was launched from the yard. She foundered in the China Sea during a typhoon while escorting a convoy, April 1798, with the loss of... more information
Admiral Lord Howe fought the Battle called the “Glorious 1st of June” off Brittany capturing 6 French ships and sinking one. He returned to Portsmouth with 6 prizes and was inspected by... more information
28th June. King George III and Queen Charlotte visited Portsmouth to launch HMS “Prince of Wales” of 98 guns. She had been laid down nearly 10 years earlier.
After the launch the... more information
Single storey brick Block-makers Shop built (see 1802).
Wharfs of the inner Mast Pond £4390. 11s. 8d.
North wall of the new Mast Pond £1689. 7s. 2d.
Boat House Channel £82. 9s. 6d.
Dr. George Pinckard’s description of Portsmouth.
“But here hordes of pollinating females are seen reeling in drunkenness or plying upon the streets with a broad modesty which puts the... more information
General Sir Samuel Bentham (1757-1831)
Knight of the Order of Saint George.
In all probability no one has left their mark on Portsmouth Dockyard as firmly stamped as Samuel Bentham.... more information
29th May. Brigade General Sir Samuel Bentham proposes his plans to enlarge the Great Ship Basin
.
8th October. The Admiralty orders works to be carried to General Bentham’s plan.
16th July. Sir Charles Saxton, the Commissioner, wrote to the Navy Board that experiments were in hand for the establishment of a semaphore service to communicate with London. The stations... more information
1st May“. The Boyne” (98 guns) blew up and sank at Spithead. Towards noon it was learnt in Portsmouth that the Boyne commanded by the Hon. George Grey was on fire... more information
Boat House Channel continued £274. 15s.
Works to the inner Mast Pond £467. 11s. 6d.
Dwarf wall and slips to the outer mast pond £1400. 16s. 9d. North Wall to the same £1272. 6s. ... more information
20th March. Work started on the Elevated Water Tank for securing the yard from fire, the apparatus was designed and erected by Sir Samuel Bentham and consisted of an elevated... more information
15th April. Naval Mutiny at Spithead.
The mutiny broke out aboard Lord Bridport’s flagship Queen Charlotte at Spithead, lasting until the 15th May. It spread to the Nore on... more information
Dockyard Works continue. £19839. 18s. 2d. To Docks and Basin.
Wharfs and slips on the South side of the Boat house channel £1349. 10s.
North side of the new Mast Pond £657. 1s. ... more information
21st December. Sir Samuel Bentham completes and signs a drawing of a 12 hose-power Sadler engine which was said to have been invented by James Sadler, the chemist on Bentham’s... more information
Pay Office built and was accredited to Sir Samuel Bentham. It was the first fire-proof building in the Dockyard and is an early example of the mixture of brick and... more information
Work continues to General Bentham’s plan. The dam opposite the entrance to the basin, in order of formation from 24th Sept. to 25th Oct. 1798 - £22149.14s. 2d.
Bentham planned... more information
No. 2 Boathouse built.
Work continues to the South dock (No. 1 Dry Dock) (£25,000 being voted by Parliament). £3548. 0s. 4d.
March 11th. The first stone was laid to the invert arch for... more information
Strong north westerly storm drove 8 vessels ashore and damaged 41 others locally.
Basin removing earth, cleaning masonry and constructing a dam to complete the granite walls £1185. 5s. 10d.
Works to the... more information
13th June.“Dreadnought”, 98 guns (see 1742 and 1906) launched after 13 years on the stocks in the Dockyard. She was designed by Sir John Henslow. She took part in the battle of Trafalgar... more information
12th June. Great Ship Basin (see 1698) enlarged by Sir Samuel Bentham and opened with the first practicable caisson at its entrance.
HMS Britannia was said to be the first ship... more information
1st July. “Chips” (removal of scraps of wood) forbidden and sixpence paid in lieu to Shipwrights, their apprentices 4 pence a day during the first four years of their apprenticeship and 6... more information
27th October. Bentham proposes the New Water Supply for the Dockyard. The old system could not cope with the new demand of a growing fleet and the thirsty steam engines.... more information
Works to the South Dock (No. 2 Dry Dock) in the Great Basin and drains - £9663. 1s. 4d.
Works to the new South East Dock (No. 3 Dock) in the Great Basin... more information
Ye Mighty Chaine of Yron. Mottley’s guide of 1801 says: “The enemy can be stopped by a chain that always lies at the bottom ready to be immediately raised and... more information
No. 2 Dock completed (berth of HMS “Victory” since 1922 )
In the recent war 6 ships of the line and 53 smaller vessels were lost. The Royal Navy took 89 ships of the line 481 other... more information
Thirteen “Temeraire” mutineers hanged from ships in harbour in January. A principal ringleader was hanged in April. Altogether 60 mutineers were caught and most were hanged.
20th March. The 50 gun ship Grampus was launched from the Dockyard. Originally she was going to be named Tiger; she was hulked in 1820 to become a hospital ship on the... more information
11th April. The World’s first Steam dredger was launched; designed and built in Portsmouth by Sir Samuel Bentham. (Generally it is thought that Simon Goodrich, the machinist of Bentham... more information
14th April. Admiralty ordered the Navy Board to proceed with the construction of the Wood Mill to Benthams design at an estimated cost of £8,827. This was the first steam-powered Wood... more information
27th December. No.1 Basin was opened.
Works of Docks continuing £193. 5s. 10d. The docks being in the year widened. These docks are intended for the reception of Frigates and smaller... more information
The tunnel and drain from the South East Dock to the Mast Pond now in progress. This culvert is still in being although now blocked off from the Mast Pond.
14th September. Admiral Lord Nelson embarked from the beach near Spur Redoubt and sailed to battle off Cape Trafalgar aboard HMS “Victory”, where he was mortally wounded by a sharpshooter... more information
18th February. The 32 gun frigate Alexandria was launched from the Yard. She was the last of the Thames class to be built. These ships were built of fir and did... more information
3rd September. Marc Brunel reports to Simon Goodrich that by the 10th October 1807 the Wood-Mill (Block Mills) would be able to supply all the blocks required by the navy.
26th May. The brig Podargus of 16 guns was launched from the Dockyard; she was designed by the Surveyor of the Navy and built by Dockyard shipwright apprentices. She became a... more information
28th April. The 16 gun brig Zephyr launched; she was similar to the Podargus and was also built by Dockyard shipwright apprentices. She was sold in 1818 and broken up.
20th. January. The launch of the 42 gun frigate Pyramus from the Yard. She was originally to be built by Greenwood &Kidwell of Itchenor but the frames were transferred to... more information
3rd July. The 98 gun ship Boyne was launched from the Dockyard. She had been built to the lines of Victory. Boyne became a gunnery training ship at Portsmouth in 1834.
In 1859... more information
8th July. The 20 gun sloop Hermes that had been built by apprentices was launched. After completing she took part in the naval war with America.
1812-14. On 15th September 1814, in... more information
Charles Dickens born 7th February at 387 Mile End Terrace (now a museum at 393 Old Commercial Road).
John and Elizabeth Dickens had settled here in 1809 but soon had to move to... more information
21st December. The 46 gun frigate Lacedemonian was launched from the Dockyard. She was broken up at Portsmouth in 1822 and was one of the Leda class frigates, which was one of... more information
23rd November. The launching of the 72 gun ship Vindictive from Portsmouth.
She was cut down to a 50 gun ship in 1833 and hulked in 1862, becoming a stores ship at Fernando Po... more information
18th August. Another product from the Dockyard apprentices was launched in the shape of an 18 gun brig Icarus.
She was one of the Cherokee class brigs and, between 1807 and 1830, 115 of... more information
The Prince Regent, the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia inspected the Dockyard and reviewed a squadron of 15 ships of the line at Spithead.
This was the last... more information
9th June. The first visit of a steamship to Portsmouth. She was a vessel of 75 tons with a 14 horse power engine that enabled her to reach a speed of 8 knots.
Three hundred artificers were discharge from the Dockyard in March, and 30 ships were ordered to be broken up. In August the distress in the Town was so great that it... more information
13th April. The 74 gun ship Pitt was launched from the Yard. Being one of the “FortyThieves” ( Armada class). She never went to sea; in 1853 she was converted to a coal... more information
School of Naval Architecture for the Superior Class of Shipwright Apprentices, was opened. It was designed by Edmund Hall and built at a cost of £16,000.
Professor Inman was the President... more information
Dockyard men’s wages reduced to peacetime standards.
Shipwrights pay reduced by 6d a day. 52 rope makers offered work as labourers but later restored. Reductions in rope makers due to... more information
16th October. The launch of the 84 gun ship Waterloo from Portsmouth Dockyard.
A contemporary writer records: “Dear to the patriotic feelings of every Englishman - it must have been on... more information
4th January. The Grand Duke Maximilian of Austria, and his suite, visited the Rope-house. When one of the suite, a Count Hardigg, placed his hand on the fibres being twisted... more information
10th June. Saw the launching of the 10 gun brig Delight. She was another of the numerous Cherokee brigs. Sadly she was caught in a storm off the Isle de France... more information
30th May. The Prince Regent had a 3 gun yacht designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth was launched; she was presented to the Imam of Muscat in 1836.
13th June. Launching of the 46 gun frigate Minerva from the Yard. She was said to have been the first rounded stern frigate built in England.
She was never completed for... more information
26th July. The 10 gun brig Jasper was launched. She was wrecked on 13th October 1828, on the Isle of Santa Maura in the Mediterranean, her crew were saved.
7th December. The 6th Rate 28 gun Sloop Ranger was launched from the Dockyard: she had been designed by the Surveyors of the Navy. She was sold at Plymouth in 1832.
1st June. The 16 gun brig Rose was launched from the Yard; she was designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth. She was broken up at Chatham in 1851.
Dockyard re-organised and labour force reduced to 2,200 (see 1722, 1775, 1790 and 1837). 900 Dockyard men laid off.
The ancient offices of the Clerk of the Survey, Clerk of the Ropeyard (see 1545) Master Mast Maker,... more information
Semaphore Tower erected on Square Tower to communicate with the Admiralty in London via a series of stations. The Semaphore was dismantled in 1848 and moved to Southsea Common. (see 1778 – 1795).
This was a good year for the Dockyard and saw 5 ships launched, the first being on 20th March - the 10 gun cutter Arrow. She was broken up at Portsmouth in 1852.
4th April. The 26 gun ship Tweed. She was razeed at Portsmouth into a 20 gun corvette 1831 and later broken up at Devonport in 1852.
NB: Razee is the term used when upperworks... more information
21st October. The 74 gun ship Carnatic was launched from the Dockyard. Her frames were of teak and came from Bombay.
She was never completed for sea, being laid up and... more information
21st May. The 18 gun sloop Orestes was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the School of Architecture at Portsmouth and was said to be one of the best... more information
5th April. The first steam packet ran between Portsmouth and Ryde. At the time she was said to be an object of beauty, but she heralded an era of great... more information
19th February. Two Cherokee brig/sloops were launched from the Yard, the first was Leveret, and she was sold out of service in 1843. The other was Mosquito; she was also... more information
14th September. The launch of “Princess Charlotte” 110 guns. 10 minutes before the launch an accident occurred that claimed 16 lives when a spring tide burst open the gates to Dock No. 3. The... more information
The Admiralty lay down the functions of the C-in-C in regard to the Dockyard:
“No C-in-C. or other Naval Officer is to assume authority or control over a Resident Commissioner... more information
14th November. The 28 gun ship Challenger was launched from the Dockyard; she was wrecked of the coast of Chile on 19th May 1835 with the loss of two of her crew.
1st December. Two 18 gun sloops were launched from the Yard, the Wolf became a store hulk in 1848 and in 1859 a coal hulk at Plymouth where she was broken up in 1878.
... more information
31st January. The 26 gun ship Sapphire was launched from the Dockyard. She was designed by the School of Naval Architecture in the Dockyard. She was converted to a troopship in 1839,... more information
13 February. The frigate Diamond having returned from South America under the command of Lord Napier, had been placed in ordinary (reserve) as fit for immediate service.
Shortly before daylight a... more information
The 5th Rate 46 gun ship Penelope that had been laid down in the Dockyard was taken to pieces and re-laid at Chatham Dockyard in November. She was completed as a... more information
Victualling facilities from both sides of the harbour brought onto one site in Gosport Weevil Yard (renamed in 1831 to the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard) extensively rebuilt from this date to 1832.... more information
20th April. The launch of the President of 50 guns. She was based on the successful design of the American frigate USS President. She became an RNR drill ship on the... more information
21 April. The 18 gun sloop Favourite was launched from the Yard. She became a coal hulk at Devonport in 1860 and given the number C.3. later C.77. She was sold out of... more information
17th August. The first steam Warship to be Built at Portsmouth. The 46 gun ship Fox was said to have been based on the French Leda class frigate. She was completed... more information
30th March. The ancient title of Clerk of the Cheque was abolished and its duties taken over by Store Keeper. However it was restored as a separate department on 1st... more information
November. The old Smithery that had been built in the mid 1790’s was converted into a Millwright’s Shop and Boiler Shop although the Boiler Shop was not fully operational... more information
HMS “Excellent” Gunnery School established on ships in the harbour. (The establishment did not move to the shore base at Whale Island until 1891 (see 1891).
Reductions in all dockyards to 7,000 total. ... more information
12th January. The Leda class frigate Thalia was launched from the Dockyard. She was hulked in 1855 and became a Roman Catholic church ship at Portsmouth; she was broken up in 1867.
31st January. The 26 gun ship Acteon that was designed by the School of Naval Architecture at Portsmouth was launched.
She was completed as an 18 gun survey ship. She was hulked... more information
26th February. The Admiralty Yacht Fanny was launched from the Dockyard. She was used as the C-in-C’s yacht. She was lengthened in 1857 and transferred to the Coast Guard at... more information
28rd February. The 10 gun brig Charybdis was launched from the Yard; she was designed by Sir H. Peake. She was sold to a private buyer in Rotherhithe 1843.
March. The 18 gun Sloop Argus that was being built at Portsmouth was dismantled on the slipway and broken up; as was the 46 gun frigate Euphrates that had been laid down... more information
The Victualling Board and Navy Board are abolished as separate departments of the Admiralty.
The post of Commissioner of the Dockyard abolished and replaced by a Rear Admiral known as... more information
27th September. The 120 gun ship Neptune. At that time she was one of the largest sailing warships in the World and the largest built at Portsmouth to date. She was... more information
New Dockyard Police established.
The Warden becomes Director of Police with a Staff of 3 Inspectors, 3 Sergeants and 36 constables. Inspectors paid £100 a year, sergeants 22s-6d a week and constables 19s-... more information
Following the movement of the Admiralty residence from the High Street, Old Portsmouth, into the dockyard, the old Semaphore Tower was erected on the roof of the Rigging House and... more information
27th February. A new form of civil guard was introduced into the Dockyard as a Police Force under the control of a lieutenant of the navy and was styled Director... more information
24th March. The brigantine Buzzard of 3 guns was launched from the Yard. She was broken up at Plymouth 1843. On the same day two lighters, named Duck and Drake, were launched... more information
1834 The Dock-Yard. Instructions for the visitor wishing to visit the Dock-Yard - from A Portsmouth Guide Book.
“Persons visiting this place should be at the entrance gate by 10 O’clock... more information
26th June. Launch of first steam paddle ship to be built at Portsmouth. HMS “Hermes” (712 tons) of 6 guns. Her 220 horse-power engines were by Maudslay and Field. She was employed in... more information
22nd September. The 36 gun Frigate HMS Pique commanded by Captain, The Hon. H.J. Rous, struck on rocks off the coast of Labrador. She beat heavily until the morning of 2... more information
Mast Sheer Legs were erected on the west inside wall of the Great Ship Basin. These were followed in 1837 by a similar set being erected on the outside wall of... more information
14th January. Smuggling is still a lucrative business; the Customs Officers seized 71 tubs of spirits at the Sally Port and dredged up 35 tubs of spirits from the Horse Sands.
16th June – The 36 gun Frigate HMS Iconstant launched in the Dockyard. She became a hospital ship at Queenstown in1853, and was sold out of service there in 1862.
21st April. The 18 gun wooden sloop Hazard was launched from the Dockyard. She saw service around the World and was eventually broken up by Whites of Cowes in 1866.
29th June – The Paddle Steamer Volcano intended for the Packet Service was launched in the Dockyard. Became a floating factory at Portsmouth in 1854 and sold out of service in 1894.
In the early part of the year the Steam Department of the Admiralty was formed followed later in the year by the Engineering Branch Afloat. The Navy List contain no... more information
30th June. By Act of Parliament the punishment of the Pillory was abolished. In the early years of the century it was frequently inflicted by Portsmouth Magistrates, chiefly for thefts... more information
27th October – the Merchant Ship Colonist was at Spithead on the Motherbank when she caught fire. The passengers and crew were rescued but the ship made a fierce bonfire for 72... more information
26th March. HMS Termagant a 10 gun Brigantine was launched in the Dockyard. Her career in the Royal Navy was very short as she was sold to a private buyer in 1845.
1st January – John Pounds a Dockyard Shipwright fell into a dry dock (thought to be No. 2 Dry Dock) and was crippled. He became a cobbler in Old Portsmouth and, while... more information
16th March. The Indus was launched from the Dockyard. This 78 gun ship-of-the-line had been 16 years on the stocks. Her frames were cut from teak and brought in from Bombay, India.
... more information
20th June – the foundation stone of the Holy Trinity Church, Portsea was laid by the Warden of Winchester College. It was taken into the Dockyard in 1906 and became a naval... more information
June. The Admiralty tried to force the Calling of the Muster Rolls in the Dockyard men’s own time and reduced by fifteen minutes the time allowed the blacksmiths to... more information
27th August – the wooden steam paddle sloop HMS Stromboli was launched. She served in the Crimean War and off the Syrian coast; she was sold to a private buyer in 1866.
4th May. The Floating Bridge. The horse ferry boat began running between Portsmouth and Gosport.
Previously horse and carriages had to go around through Fareham to reachGosport.
11th May. People gathered on the beach to watch the explosive effects of 2,400 lbs of gunpowder in the attempt to remove part of the wreck of the Royal George that... more information
18th April. The 12 gun brig Bittern was launched from the Dockyard. She had an exciting career and saw active service in the Burmese and Chinese wars. She was sold to... more information
24th December. The wooden steam sloop Driver was launched from the Dockyard. She saw service in many of the colonial wars including the Crimea War. Sadly she was wrecked on... more information
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