Dockyard Timeline

13th February. Rain, sleet and snow followed by severe frost enabled many people to skate in large areas of the Town, even in front of the Admiral’s House in... more information

Naval Review by Queen Victoria at Portsmouth. Prince Albert visited the Dockyard inspecting the Block Mills, Copper Foundry and Blacksmiths Shop. This year saw considerable shipbuilding in the Dockyard with... more information

27th July. The 8 gun Brig Skylark was launched from the Dockyard; she later became a training ship and was sold to a private buyer in 1875.

Seventeen acres added to the Dockyard to provide facilities for the new steam Navy. 29th May. Rear Admiral Hyde Parker, CB lays the first stone to the new Steam Basin.... more information

30th May. The King of Saxony visited the town and toured the Dockyard as well as inspecting some of the ships. When he came to HMS Victory the crew manned... more information

Admiralty annexed the area known as “the New Buildings”, Portsea and demolished 230 houses. The area was brought into the dockyard as part of the area of the new Steam Basin. ... more information

18th September. 2½ ton Nasmyth hammer and boiler to be delivered to the Smithery.

2nd April. Saw the double launching of Osprey and Daring, two experimental 12 gun brigs, from the Dockyard.

21st October – the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the Queen made a complete inspection of HMS Victory. On descending to the orlop deck she was nearly knocked down by... more information

19th December. Lt. R.S. Beatson RE prepares drawing for cast iron circular window for the Chain Cable Store. By the 27th December, Beatson had prepared details for the doors... more information

10th March. (The Crimean War). 21 Sail of the Line were review by HM Queen Victoria. At one o’clock the Queen was observed coming from Osborne House in the “Fairy”... more information

21st. June. Queen Victoria reviewed the Experimental Squadron at Spithead. At this period there were 113 steam vessels in the Royal Navy.

Contract entered into between the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty and Messrs. Baker and Son, of Lambeth for the erection of two cast-iron roofs over the two first class ship-building... more information

First electric telegraph cable laid between Portsmouth and Gosport. Mr. Hay, a chemist in the High Street, Old Portsmouth, devoted much attention to electricity and lectured on the subject in... more information

Physical link of Dockyard railway to town Stations (see 1843, 1876).

Working Men’s Co-operative Society founded by dockyard men. This was the start of the Portsea Island Co-operative Society. (see 1817).

1st April. Commencement of the financial year, the men employed in the Factory to be transferred from the books of the Storekeeper: “the Pay Clerk & Bookkeeper of the Factory... more information

12th July. Captain James RE has forwarded “a general plan of the new grounds at the north end of the Dockyard, representing the Docks, slips, and Factory now building… enclosed... more information

6th October. The new iron caissons made by Fairbairns are ready. Capt. James RE was to report when he would be ready to receive them. The original entrance to the... more information

31st December – the last message by semaphore was sent from Portsmouth to London. The semaphore system was established in 1795.

8th March. Leander was the last sailing ship to be built in the Dockyard was launched; she was said to have been designed by Richard Blake who was at that... more information

5th April. Saw a double launching at the Dockyard when the screw steam frigate Arrogant and the screw steam sloop Plumper were launched in the presence of a great concourse... more information

Semaphore on Square Tower dismantled (see 1822).

1st October. The railway from London to Portsmouth was opened.

Cholera strikes the town during the summer months. The town records state that there were 800 interments at Kingston Churchyard and St. Thomas’s Churchyard; they were buried in batches usually... more information

Royal Sailors Home opened in Queen Street.

The wooden steam gunboat Cossack that was laid down in 1846 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.

5th April. A serious riot on board the convict-ships, Sterling Castle and York, moored alongside in the dockyard. It was not suppressed until two days later when the ringleaders were... more information

18th June. Lieut. Governor, Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, before giving up command of the Garrison, said he would like to present two statues as a token of regard and good feeling... more information

26th August. The launching of the wooden steam paddle frigate Furious from the Dockyard.

2nd January. The Troopship Birkenhead sailed from Portsmouth. She was wrecked off Danger Point, South Africa on 26th February with the loss of 436 lives. The behaviour of the crew and... more information

Staff Surgeon appointed to the Dockyard (see 1688, 1875, 1918).

31st July. HM Queen Victoria accompanied by the Prince Consort and the eldest of her children launched HMS “Marlborough”, a wooden steam screw of 1st rate (121 guns). She stuck 25 feet... more information

1st April. The ancient position of Clerk of the Cheque was abolished from 30th March 1830 and it responsibilities merged with that of the Storekeeper. However it re-emerged as a separate... more information

3rd. May. The Proclamation of Peace was read by the Town Clerk, first at the Platform Battery, next from the steps of Market House, and finally from the Dockyard Gate.

29th May. Peace with Russia was celebrated in Portsmouth by a General Holiday. A Review of the Garrison on Southsea Common and a grand firing of a Feu-de-joie followed by... more information

25th April. Launch of “Royal Sovereign” the first turret ironclad in the Royal Navy. She was laid down as 121 gun ship of the line but, while completing, the decision was... more information

Dock No. 10 opened.

Hilsea Lines reconstructed from this date to the present form (see 1747). These lines actually form the last of the town ramparts and much of it is still visible to-day. The... more information

17th November. The 121 Gun 1st Rate ship Victoria was launched by Princess Frederick William of Prussia. HM The Queen and other members of her family were also present. It was... more information

Royal Navy Reserve created.

24th March. The Dockyard saw the 17 gun wooden steam sloop Rinaldo that had been built in a Dry Dock, floated up.

Hired staff in Dockyard 1265:- Shipwrights 550 Caulkers 60 Joiners 90 Smiths 128 Sawyers 56 Painters 27 Mill Wrights 35 Labourers 305 Oakum boys 14

29th December. Launch of “HMS Warrior” at Blackwall. Laid down 1859. (See 1987).

4th February. The title of Surveyor of the Navy abolished and was restyled Controller of the Navy.

The Hydraulic Engine House that sits on the south eastern side of the Camber was built; it was designed by the Chief Engineer, John Murray, and extended in 1904. Its purpose... more information

28th March. The wooden steam-screw frigate Glasgow was launched. She was sold in 1884.

This year great concern was felt in the town and Dockyard over the Admiralty decision to remove the Cadet Training Ship Britannia from Portsmouth Harbour to another port. Sir James... more information

Four out of five Portsdown Hill Forts well advanced in construction.

Portsmouth’s own Dry Dock. This Dry Dock was built at a cost of £30,000 and was sited at the Camber, Old Portsmouth. It was first used in May of this... more information

The steam gunboat Protector that was laid down in 1861 was taken to pieces before launching and cancelled.

29th March. The gunboat Cherub was launched from Haslar Gunboat Yard.

15th October. The Royal Alfred was floated out of dry dock from the Dockyard. She was laid down as a 91 gun ship of the line and converted to an ironclad... more information

16th December. The wooden steam frigate Dryad that was laid down 2nd January 1860 was cancelled and taken to pieces on the slipway.

16th February. The wooden steam gunboat Ministrel was launched.

Dockyard employees, exclusive of officers, 4905. Wages £284,754 a year (see 1837).

22nd July. The wooden steam gunboat Netley was launched.

Spoil from Dockyard basin used to form Southsea Esplanade carried by a temporary tramway from the Dockyard to Southsea Common (see 1864).

24th August. Young Fanny Adams from Alton was cruelly murdered and partly dismembered. At that time the process of tinning meat for the Navy was still in its infancy and... more information

Danae launched 21st May. Ringdove Launched 4th September. Avon launched 2nd October Cracker Launched 27th November. Bruiser Launched at Haslar Gunboat Yard 23rd April. Cromer Launched at Haslar Gunboat Yard 2... more information

Torpedo and Gunnery electrics school started on HMS “Vernon” in Fountain Lake. Her first commander was ‘Jackie’ Fisher. Commissioned as an independent establishment in 1876.

May The Dockyard Ropery was closed. With the revolution in ships steam propulsion the need for rope gradually diminished and rope making was concentrated in Devonport and Chatham Dockyard. Senior... more information

20th April. Great gloom hung over the town as discharged Dockyard men and their families emigrated to Canada. 391 men, women and children, of whom 175 belonged to Portsmouth, sailed in the... more information

18th December. The departure of George Peabody Financier, Banker, Entrepreneur and benefactor of the London poor. George Peabody was born in Massachusetts, America in 1795 in 1816 he moved to Baltimore where... more information

Admiralty Chemical Laboratory established in the Dockyard.

700 taken on in the Dockyard because of worries about the Franco-Prussian War. (see 1869-70).

7th December. The Gunboat Blazer was launched. 8th December. The Gunboat Comet was launched.

The Lion Gate was removed this year when the fortification was demolished at the end of Queen Street. It was later re-erected as the gate way to Anglesey Barracks in... more information

20th May. (Great Extension) No 12 Dry Dock structurally completed.

Staff in Dockyard reduced from 3,781 to 3,045 in 1871 (see 1865).

21st December. HMS Challenger, a steam screw corvette converted to a survey ship under the command of Captain George S. Nares, left Portsmouth on her 4 year oceanographic survey on behalf... more information

23rd June. Spithead Review in honour of the Shah of Persia. It was the first time that a ruler of Persia had visited this country and he astonished all beholders... more information

10th September .The 26 gun Iron Steam frigate, Blonde, that had been built in the dockyard was re-named at her launching in honour of the Royal Visitor as HMS Shah.

Disastrous Fire. No.11 Store House (now the Naval Museum) was completely gutted by fire down to the ground floor. However the massive walls remained intact and in 1879 the building was... more information

23rd April.Troops and sailors returning from the Ashanti War are reviewed at Gosport by the Queen and on the 30th April they are entertained by Portsmouth.

29th May. The Deep Dry Dock (No. 9 Dock), North Lock (B. Lock), South Lock (A. Lock), Tidal Basin and the Repairing Basins were opened (see 1864).

1st April. Mr. W. B. Robinson was the last Master Shipwright at Portsmouth for on the 1st April the title changed to that of Chief Constructor. Interestingly on his appointment... more information

16th October. Saw the launching from the Dockyard of the iron screw corvette Boadicea of 3913 tons burden.

27th April. Princess Louise launches HMS “Inflexible” (12,000 tons). With the thickest armour used on a warship (24 inches), she was also the first major warship to use electricity and to be... more information

19th October. The iron screw corvette Bacchante was launched from the Dockyard. She was a sister ship to the Boadicea that had been launched the previous year.

Railway viaduct from Harbour Station into Dockyard via swing bridge completed.

The Great Foreshore Case. Since the days of the Plantagenet’s the Corporation had exercised rights of Admiralty over the foreshore – that is, the land between the high and low... more information

Discharge of 1,400 dockyard men but 700 re-engaged.

Flogging in the Royal Navy was abolished (see 1871).

In consequence of the troubles in Afghanistan, Indian troopships left Portsmouth with the 1st battalion of the Rifle Brigade. The Queen, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and... more information

26th August. The Crown Princess of Germany launches the corvette Canada from the Dockyard. She was the first all steel ship to be built in the yard.

The annual Dockyard Regatta was a great success this year and was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. 150 boats, manned by over a 1000 men, took part in the... more information

21st March. The launching of the turret ship Colossus by Lady Emma Baring, daughter of Lord Northbrook, First Lord of the Admiralty. Colossus was the first all steel battleship and... more information

14th June. “Royal Sailors Rest Home” opened by Agnes Weston in Commercial Road.

January. First plans and sections of the new Police cells at Portsmouth. These are just inside the Victory Gate.

24th June. The cruiser Calliope was launched from the Dockyard. In March 1889 she was in Apia harbour, Samoa with six foreign warships and several merchant ships, when a hurricane broke... more information

24th November. The first class battleship Camperdown was launched from the Dockyard. She commissioned 18th July 1889 for the Home Fleet. While in the Mediterranean on 22nd June 1893 the fleet were... more information

21st June. A Review of all the troops in the Garrison on Southsea Common in the morning followed by festivities in the afternoon by 23,000 children. A whole bullock was roasted... more information

1,000 men discharged from the Dockyard. They were the heaviest discharges since 1869. So great was the distress in the town that the Admiralty agreed to give assisted passage to Canada in... more information

20th September. Amidst a great concourse of spectators, Lady Hood launched the new battleship Trafalgar from No. 5 slipway in the Dockyard.

20th September. The launch and christening of the cruiser HMS Melpomene was said to have been the shabbiest ever witnessed, for the Admiralty had forbidden any ceremony that was not... more information

March saw 850 emigrants leave Portsmouth for South America. But the bright new life offered did not mature and many return home disillusioned.

28th February. The Sloop HMS Beagle was christened by Mrs Deadman, wife of the Chief Constructor of the yard.

13th June. HMS Vulcan was christened by Mrs. Gordon, wife of Rear-Admiral Gordon, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard. This vessel was of a special nature as she was designed to... more information

2nd December. Telephonic communications were established between Portsmouth and Southampton.

6th and 7th August. The Kaiser tours the Dockyard and Eastney Barracks.

20th August. HM Queen Victoria inspected French and English Squadron at Spithead.

26th February – the Dockyard had special reason for rejoicing from the circumstances that two of the most powerful vessels yet constructed had been built in an incredibly short span of... more information

20th August. Queen Victoria reviews ships of the British and French fleets at Spithead .

3rd August. The new battleship HMS Centurion that had been built in No. 13 Dry Dock was floated up after the christening ceremony that was performed by Mrs. Fisher, the wife... more information

15th June. Saw the launch of the cruiser HMS Fox, the christening ceremony was performed by the Countess of Clanwilliam.

The new Mould Loft was opened this year. It was built almost facing the Admiral Superintendent’s residence. It was 150 ft long by 100 ft wide and on its large open... more information

First Electrical Repair shop built.

22nd August. HRH The Duchess of York, accompanied by her husband the Duke of York ( future King George V), came to Portsmouth to launch the new battleship HMS Prince George.

1st July. HMS Terrible was the first ship to use No. 14 Dry Dock. No. 15 Dry Dock was opened a few months later. These two dry docks were allocated during the 1860�... more information

The Gun Mounting Shop built and opened this year.

8th December. The second class cruiser HMS Gladiator was launched in the presence of Mr. Goschen, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and a distinguished company. The First Lord’s... more information

Anchor Gate demolished having previously been taken into the Dockyard in 1864.

28th February. Saw the last departure of the Indian Troopships from Portsmouth with the sailing of “Jumma”. These troopships berthed at South Railway Jetty which at this time was known... more information

21st September. Launching of the Battleship HMS London by Lady George Hamilton.

1st November. Mr L. T. Steel was appointed head of an embryo electrical department with the title of The Electrician. The title changed soon after to Electrical Engineer (Higher Grade).

6th March. The Armoured cruiser HMS Kent was launched from the Dockyard the ceremony had to be postponed a day due to bad weather. The Kent completed 1st Oct 1903 into... more information

The 100 ton Sheer Legs were erected on the south side on No.3 Basin at a cost of £13,140 including machinery. They were built by Messrs. Cowan Sheldon & Co, Carlisle. Two... more information

15th January. The First Class Cruiser HMS Suffolk was launched from the Dockyard by Lady Stradbroke. She was laid down on 25th March 1901 and completed for service 21st May 1904. She... more information

23rd October. HMS “Victory” was rammed and nearly sunk at her mooring by old battleship “Neptune” that was under tow to the breakers yard. As Neptune came abreast of the... more information

Submarines “Holland I”, “Holland II” and A1 berthed at Fort Blockhouse, which became the submarine base. Holland I, recovered from a watery grave is on show at the Submarine Museum... more information

10th September. The Antarctic exploration ship Discovery arrived at Portsmouth after her memorable three year voyage.

27th March. It was announced that the Admiralty planned to discharge a large number of men from the Dockyard. As a result of agitation, the concession was obtained that the... more information

7th August. “Entente Cordiale”. The French Northern Squadrons anchor at Spithead and were reviewed by King Edward VII on 9th August. The French were lavishly entertained by the town.

“St Vincent”, Boys Training ship, towed away and trainees move to shore establishment in Gosport.

10th February. Launch of the epoch making battleship, HMS “Dreadnought”, by King Edward VII. This ship made all other battleships obsolete and gave her name to a new class of... more information

Riots in Naval Barracks on 4th and 5th November.

3rd August. A review of the re-constituted Home Fleet by King Edward VII. The fleet consisted of 188 major warships.

Three top floors of 33 Store converted to an Electrical Drawing Office.

24th March. Never before in the history of the Royal Navy had such a scene been witnessed at the Hard and Dockyard Gate when over 12,000 people assembled for the purpose... more information

30th September. The improved Dreadnought HMS Neptune was launched from No 5 Slipway by the Duchess of Albany. Neptune was a single class ship, was the first British battleship to mount... more information

6th May. King Edward VII,nicknamed the Peace-maker, died at Buckingham Palace. At his funeral on the 20th May, his cortege was followed by the Kaiser, 8 Kings, 5 heirs, and over 50... more information

21st July The new King of England, King George V, and his Queen visit Portsmouth to tour the Dockyard and other Naval establishments.

24th June. Coronation Review at Spithead by King George V. Altogether there were 165 vessels including 32 battleships, 25 armoured cruisers, 8 protected cruiser, 4 light cruisers, 67 destroyers, 12 torpedo boats and 8 submarines. These vessels constituted... more information

28th June. The Dockyard Museum was officially opened by Mrs. Tate, wife of the Admiral Superintendent, Rear Admiral Alban G. Tate. It had long been the dream of Mr Mark... more information

5th February. The King and Queen return to Portsmouth aboard P&O Liner “Medina” (that had acted as a temporary Royal Yacht) from their Indian Tour, where his coronation... more information

27th February. Portsmouth Dockyard General Order. As from this date and in accordance with Admiralty Local Order 3275: South Lock to be known as A. Lock North Lock to be known... more information

No. 3, 4 and 5 Basins were combined to create No. 3 Basin. A 250 ton Hammerhead crane was constructed on the promontory.

12th October. The cradle of the Dreadnoughts added yet one more leviathan to the Royal Navy when the Duchess of Wellington launched the battleship Iron Duke from No 5 slipway watched... more information

8th April C. Lock first used for the Dry Docking of the Battle-cruiser HMS Princess Royal. It had taken four years to build and cost £1,000,000.

20th December. Semaphore Tower destroyed by fire. At 7-30pm on the evening of Saturday 21st December 1913, a fishmonger’s delivery boy on leaving the battlecruiser HMS Queen Mary moored... more information

4th August. Following the German invasion of Belgium, Great Britain declared war on Germany. The garrison and coastal defences are put on a high state of alert. At the beginning... more information