Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Wednesday 12TH March 2008
PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
About twenty five members and friends gathered at the Sainsbury's car park, leaving our cars thanks to kind permission of the supermarket we boarded the bus and under the guidance of Pat Hunt left for Portsmouth on a dry and nearly sunny morning a cheerful lot, but glad to get out of the cold gale force wind.
On arrival Pat ensured that those wishing to visit the Victory were told to be there at precisely 1325, which we of course acquiesced, but many had already visited parts of the complex, so small groups scattered in all directions to visit at our own time and speed.
The dockyard embodies Britain’s naval past and future. Surrounded by the modern Royal Navy at work, it’s a showcase for three of the greatest warships ever built, combined with magnificent historic buildings and docks that have played their part in our island’s history.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, this was the greatest industrial complex in the world. Visit the Dockyard Apprentice exhibition and see the skills and crafts that helped Britain become a great sea power.
HMS VICTORY
The ship is a living museum like no other and looks much the same as when she led the crushing defeat of the combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s flagship is the world’s oldest commissioned warship and is still manned today by Officers and Ratings of the Royal Navy.
The Trafalgar sail exhibition, in the nearby Storehouse No.10, features the only surviving sail from the Battle of Trafalgar – battle scarred, pockmarked and full of holes from cannon fire, it pays testimony to the battle’s ferocity.
The group that assembled under our leader Admiral Hunt, had an excellent and most interesting guide who did us proud, in spite of asking us to keep all questions to the end, this was a red rag to the Probus Club of Ewell and led by warrior Ken Williamson (below) ignored this suggestion, well he must be ex RAF!
THE MARY ROSE
The only surviving 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world. She was one of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. The Mary Rose sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet – in full view of King Henry VIII.
The raising of the Mary Rose in 1982 is a marvel of modern maritime archaeology. See the conservation process that will preserve her for all time. Thousands of personal, domestic and military objects were recovered, many of which are on display in the museum – a unique and fascinating insight into Tudor times.
This display supported by hand held walkie talkies in an environment out of the blustery wind in a nice warm showed behind misty glass walls a large section of the Mary Rose, the Trust have certainly done a great job in the preservation of this warship, certainly worth the visit.
HMS WARRIOR 1860
Bigger, faster and more heavily armoured than any other warship afloat, Warrior was the world’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship powered by steam as well as sail and constructed of wrought iron. As we explored Warrior’s four vast decks we entered the world of the Victorian sailor and life in a 19th century warship, occasionally bumping into other crew members that we recognised as Probus members, perhaps press ganged into the visit?
ROYAL NAVY MUSEUM
See, touch, hear and smell the history of the Royal Navy through a rich collection of artefacts and permanent exhibitions. Experience the Battle of Trafalgar and discover the brilliance of Admiral Lord Nelson, Britain’s greatest naval hero.
ACTION STATIONS
Go into battle with the Royal Marines, command a warship or fly a helicopter – test your skills on displays and simulators, it appears that one unnamed member only got as far as this area and spent most of the day trying to beat the various actions, we guess a boy at heart!
Discover the science behind marine technology in the £1 million Interaction Gallery. Connect with state of the art satellite communications, build a type 45 Destroyer and make waves with radio.
HARBOUR TOUR BOAT TRIP
Portsmouth is home to Britain’s three aircraft carriers, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Illustrious and HMS Invincible as well as a fleet of destroyers, frigates, mine warfare ships and offshore patrol vessels.
Take a 45 minute tour around Portsmouth Harbour. Enjoy fabulous views across the harbour whilst listening to the lively commentary. This tour was not available on our trip, us land lubbers thought this was a great idea.
PORTSMOUTH SPINNAKER
Soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben and has already established itself as a national icon for Britain.
A world class visitor attraction, the much-admired, elegant viewing Tower stands proud over one of the most fascinating seascapes in the world. It offers amazing 350º panoramic views of the Portsmouth Harbour, the South coast and the Isle of Wight, with views stretching out for up to 23 miles – breathtaking by day and a glittering sea of lights by night. A few of our group came back extolling the magnificent view and telling us of the sway of the tower in the high winds, some were still staggering but was this just the wind?
This was indeed a visit well worth the time and effort and our thanks are due to Pat Hunt and Susan shown left and his supporting crew, well done, so please support the future planned activities.
These could be the Brooklands Museum and Pub Lunch, Waddesdon Manor, Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham. The Naval Museum Chatham and the Thames Barrier, and the Goodwood Race Course for an evening visit.
