Trifter

BRITAIN’S empire and her wealth was built on the sea power exerted by the Royal Navy. Portsmouth has been navy’s main base in Britain since the Restoration and its Historic Dockyard features three major ships and harbour tours as well as the royal Naval Museum and Action Stations, the interactive showcase of the modern Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Possibly the most decisive sea victory in history must Trafalgar, won by Nelson and Collingwood in 1805. Their success ensured Britain’s naval supremacy for well over a century. Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory was already an elderly ship when Nelson boarded her at Portsmouth before sailing for Trafalgar, victory, death and immortality    

Collingwood aboard HMS Royal Sovereign lead 26 other British ships against a much larger combined French and Spanish fleet. Most of the enemy ships were either British prizes or destroyed by the end of that October day.  Nelson was killed by a single shot from a French marine sniper on the French man of war, Redoubtable.

HMS Victory, still a flagship of the Royal Navy is one of the major exhibits in the Historic Dockyard. Visitors can enter the Great Cabin, where Nelson and his band of brothers planned their victory at sea, see the spot where Nelson was hit and go through the decks where over 800 men once lived, fought and died.

Almost three centuries earlier an English flagship was leading a fleet against the French Navy. The Mary Rose, flagship of Henry VIII and named after his favourite sister, sailed out of Portsmouth on a clear and sunny day in 1545. The king stood on the headland watching his fleet. Suddenly the Mary Rose heeled over, capsized and sank within minutes Many of her sailors and soldiers went down with her.

Her position was only positively identified in 1971 and most of her artefacts, many of which had been remarkably preserved by the silt and cold water were recovered over the following 10 years. Finally in 1982, millions of viewers watched the raising of the Mary Rose on television.

She underwent extensive conservation work and is now in dry dock in the Historic Dockyard. Over 1,200 Tudor artefacts that were recovered from the wreck site are on display in the near by museum.

HMS Warrior was built in 1860. She was the first iron-hulled armoured battleship in the world. Warrior was powered by steam in addition to sail. She was bigger, faster and more heavily armed than any other warship. Warrior was simply the most formidable warship that the world had ever seen at that time.

Warrior has been fully restored to her original condition in the Historic Dockyard. Visitors can explore the engine and laundry rooms of this great ship at their leisure. They can sit at the mess tables or touch the mighty cannons and imagine what life must have like on this magnificent warship.

The Royal Naval Museum traces the history of the Royal Navy, the world’s greatest sea-fighting force. Visitors will find the most memorable collection of permanent exhibitions that are devoted to Nelson and Trafalgar in the UK. There is also the breath-taking walk through the Trafalgar Experience.

Portsmouth Harbour Tours are a leisurely 45 minute boat cruise around the harbour, looking at the ships of today’s Royal Navy. The captain gives a lively and entertaining commentary and the boats have indoor and outdoor seating with catering.

Action Stations offers visitors the opportunity to command a warship, fly a helicopter or sweep into action with the Royal Marines. They can experience life aboard a Type 23 Frigate through Command Approved or test their skills and reactions on simulators.

Special education programmes are available for many subjects at all key stages. The Historic Dockyard is a unique setting for all types of functions, including weddings and corporate events.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has made every possible effort to be accessible to all. However there are still some areas that present difficulties to wheelchair users.

There are a variety of shops, cafes a restaurant and an art gallery, which stages workshops, exhibitions and masterclasses in the Dockyard.

It is open from 10:00 to 17:30 between April and October and 10:00 to 17:00 from November to March with the exceptions of December 24, 25 and 26. Last admission is one hour before closing time.

More details can be obtained on 023 9283 9766 during office hours and there is a 24 hour information line on 023 9286 1512.