Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HMS Victory 1737, 260 year old, 3.3 tonnes, 42-Pounder bronze cannon from the shipwreck of 1744. Looking stunning on display in the Sailing Navy gallery.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/2Nxgdxl

Test your Nelson know how with this quiz!
Are you the ultimate Nelson know it all? Take our ‘Know your Nelson’ quiz and see if you would make Nelson’s crew. Do you know what ship he commanded the fleet from or famous artwork he features in?. Our general knowledge quiz is set to test even the most ‘hardy’ shipmates.
See how you rank and share with your friends.
... Take the quiz: https://bit.ly/2xcLV98
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After 250 years on the bottom of the English Channel, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation were presented with a 3.3 tonnes bronze cannon and began conservation, a treatment that would take 10 years to finish.
Diana Davis - Senior Conservator at The National Museum of the Royal Navy, talks about the conservation of the 42-Pounder cannon from HMS Victory 1744 shipwreck.
This cannon is now on display here at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Find out more: https://bit.ly/2N8bMd4

Jack the Painter is still waiting for you... Dockyard Terrors has proved scarily popular we've added another devious date.
Experience the dockyard at night as you start at the Gates of the Dead then working your way onto our Victorian ghost ship. Hear stories from another time and come face to face with Jack the Painter.
Will your survive the night? Take a look at Dockyard Terrors from 30 to 31 October from 7pm. Explore if you dare here: https://bit.ly/2Ns4Re2

After 250 years on the bottom of the English Channel, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation were presented with a 3.3 tonnes bronze cannon from the wreck of HMS Victory 1737 and began conservation, a treatment that would take 10 years to finish.
This ship was wrecked in a storm in 1744 and all of the 1,150 crew aboard were lost. There were a total of 100 guns on the ship making it one of the largest ships in the world at that time. The 42-pounder cannon was covered in a... thick layer of marine concretions, which in some areas helped to preserve the original surface underneath.
Firstly, wooden scrapers and copper alloy tools were used, as these would not scratch the bronze but these proved ineffective. Instead steel tools had to be used, whilst ensuring not to damage the underlying material. The George I crest was immaculately preserved, still showing the chasing marks used to refine details in the casting.
Whilst conservation treatments were being carried out on the exterior of the cannon, excavation on the interior revealed that the cannon was still loaded. There was a piece of wood that blocked the bore, keeping the gunpowder inside dry. The gunpowder was removed along with hemp wadding and cannonballs. These were then desalinated in deionised water which was changed frequently to remove any harmful chlorides.
After fully removing concretions, the surface was treated with corrosion inhibitors and convertors to stabilise any active corrosion. The cannon were then monitored to ensure no active corrosion would develop from any remaining traces of chlorides in pitted and porous areas. Finally the cannon was heated to allow surface water to evaporate before microcrystalline wax was applied. The heat also enabled the wax to fully penetrate porous areas of the bronze and provide a long-term protective coating.
Now museum ready, this stunning 260-year old cannon lies proudly here in the Sailing Navy gallery: https://bit.ly/2Nxgdxl
Image: West Dean College
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As part of The Dickens Christmas Festival, Portsmouth Victorian Dockyard, we're giving away little figures that represent main characters of our five Charles Dickens novels, and one of Mr Dickens himself!
Each little figure comes in a box with a character and novel tag - but the name of the novel has been blanked out! This week is the turn of Miss Havisham, jilted at the altar and forever dressed in the ageing wedding gown 👰
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to ...do is tell us the name of the novel that Miss Havisham comes from by midnight on Tuesday 18 October.
Buy tickets to The Dickens Christmas Festival, Portsmouth Victorian Dockyard today at early-bird prices (only available until the 31 October!) https://bit.ly/2xNgkyp
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The story of the legendary HMS Victory 1744 shipwreck.
At first glance you would think this ship was the famous HMS Victory which sits proudly in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard attracting around 1 million visitors a year. What if we told you it was the Victory, but not the Victory as you know it! Not Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship but the predecessor First-Rate HMS Victory commanded by Admiral Sir John Balchen that now lies 246ft below a busy shipping lane in the English C...hannel off the coast of Plymouth.
The mystery behind why HMS Victory 1737 sank is still discussed today. Legend has it that she was one of the most technically advanced ships in the world when she disappeared in 1744 with one of the largest consignments of bronze guns ever manufactured. As the War of Austrian Succession waged, the Victory's final voyage began in July 1744, when she was dispatched as the flagship of Admiral Sir John Balchen, who had been abruptly called out of retirement to rescue a Mediterranean convoy.
On their way home they hit a terrible storm off the coast of Guernsey and were never to be seen again. All 1100 crew disappeared, one of the worst naval disasters in history. Myth speaks of a lighthouse keeper failing to keep the lights burning or that the ship was designed top heavy and laden with too many guns. Balchen was regarded as one of the most respected and long-serving officers of the Royal Navy so it surely couldn’t be down to bad navigation could it?
Now 260 years later, the wreckage has been found and a bronze 42-pound cannon from HMS Victory 1737, which has lain on the seabed for over 260 years, has gone on permanent display here in the Sailing Navy Gallery. It is the first artefact from the legendary warship to be seen in public.
Find out more about HMS Victory 1737 42-Pounder Cannon: https://bit.ly/2Nxgdxl
Photo credit: National Maritime Museum
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The Royal Marines Association Concert Band is set to perform for the very last time at The Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth on 20th September 2018. The concert will include traditional marches, overtures and big band music. To find out more and buy tickets: https://bit.ly/2N9Pxmg

Join the Royal Navy Submarine Museum​ for the event 'Life on a Submarine' on Monday 17 September and hear all about the remarkable story of HMS Alliance, Britain’s only surviving Second World War ocean-going submarine. Find out how this historic submarine adapted to the demands of the Cold War, supported special operations around the world, tested new equipment and has become a fully restored museum attraction. Listen to oral history clips of submariners and look at evocativ...e objects such as a woolly pullies and long johns. We’ll even share the smell of the diesel engines for a real experience of what it was like to live beneath the waves! Entry: £2 Please book your place by calling: 023 92 891 370 ext 2021 or email community@nmrn.org.uk Find out more about HMS Alliance: https://bit.ly/2wOTDHh
images: HMS Alliance - March 1973, HMS Alliance - Crew members - 1950
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Good luck tonight Lauren Steadman on BBC Strictly Come Dancing Portsmouth is rooting for you!

Experience the darker side to history this Halloween, where nothing is quite what you expected. After darkness falls, stories from the past are uncovered as Jack the Painter returns from beyond the grave.
Museums After Dark introduce a brand new horror experience this Halloween as the cobbles come to life with your quaking steps and distant screams. We’ll be opening the gates on 30 and 31 October from 7pm until late – are you brave enough?
Step inside Victory Gate as you lear...n the dangerous exploits of Jack the Painter and see where he came to his treacherous end.
Jump onboard HMS Warrior and experience the legendary ship at night. Dimly lit rooms and suspicious sounds make way for more unsettling stories as you make your way around her decks.
Delve into the mysteries of Rat Island and those who were buried there. Shocking truths are revealed in this horrifying conclusion.
Hear scandalous tales of tyranny, see unsettling encounters from villains and experience the wrath of Jack the Painter.
Tickets can be purchased online for £15.00.
Terms and conditions apply. This ticket must be brought with you and presented to staff on the night of the event. The experience will include some small spaces during the tour. No cameras or phones are permitted to be used during the tour.
We ask that you do not touch the actors, and they will not touch you. Attendees must be 16 and over and if under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Experience will operate in time slots and each time slot is approx. 90 minutes. A bar will be available at the half way point of the event for 20 minutes.
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Feel the chill in the air as you hear screaming in the distance this Halloween. Museums After Dark present Dockyard Terrors and the villainous Jack the Painter on 31 October from 7pm.
Take a deceptively devious tour of the dockyard at night as you meet creepy characters who recount true horror stories from the past.
Hear scandalous tales of tyranny, see unsettling encounters from villains and experience the wrath of Jack the Painter.
... See what's in store for you this Halloween here: https://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/hallow een-experience
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See your favourite ships and museums at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard all year round with a Full Navy Ticket. Save 20% on a year worth of adventures when you buy your ticket online.

The south's largest Christmas event returns to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, inspired by literary genius Charles Dickens. All your festive favourites return including Fagin's Tavern, Christmas market plus our brand new gin and prosecco parlour. Book early and save before 31 October!

This weekend is the start of a series of Heritage Open Day's at Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower as The Provincial Society showcase a range of heritage buses which used to travel around the Gosport area between 1940 and 2000.
Heritage Open Days: 9th, 15th & 16th September 2018
... Free rides throughout the day taking visitors around Gosport to experience a journey in heritage Provincial buses. The bus stop will be located near the static display area in the car park. All journeys will call at Gosport Bus station.
All journeys are subject to last minute changes because heritage buses can be temperamental!
We hope you have an enjoyable day!
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Join us for Ask the Archives from 10am to 4.30pm. Come along and learn about family history with one of our museum curators. Whether you want to learn about naval history or want to discover more about your family history. Our team will help you find the answers. The event is free to attend with a valid attraction ticket.
CHANGES TO EVENT LOCATION
Our next event will be held at the Submarine Museum in Gosport on 12 September with the following event held at Explosion Museum on 10 October.

Wow, just wow.. Exceptional value for money, fascinating insight to naval history.. Got the all in one ticket spent two whole days from open to close exploring and still have more to do so will be back.. And the restaurant in bathhouse no4 is superb.. The quality of the food is awesome, ate there both days.. Will be recommending it to everyone...

We live in Ashford, Kent and have visited twice. First visit we set off early and returned late without getting everything done! For our second visit we decided to stay at the nearby premier inn. Having a longer time was better but there is still so much we didn't get to see! We will return before our annual ticket expires. Maybe we better book for a week! Love this place!

Spent a couple of days exploring all around the dock yards. Loads to do for all ages, especially 4+ years. Got family ticket with online discount which made it an even better deal. Loved the interactive parts for the children. Overall very happy 😃

Our first visit and by no means the last! Still so much to see and do! To keep 4 grandchildren aged 4 -12 happy all day is an achievement!

The Mary Rose is an amazing site to see and the exhibition itself is superb! Looking forward to going again!!

Love the naval history.. So much to see plus plenty of hands on experiences for kids and adults. Loved our visit to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory and HMS Warrior fascinating trip back in time. Plus your ticket lasts for 12mths well worth a visit.

Lots of eating places were you can purchase hot/cold food and drinks. Brilliant visit.

It's a fantastic place, so much to see and do. Steeped in naval history. A highly recommended day out for all the family.

I gave once again bought an annual all attraction ticket. Really good value. I come about 4/5 times a year and there's always something new to see/learn. I spent some time in the 'boat builders' shed with a volunteer guide. It was so informative and we were able to watch some of the students working. The quality of the workmanship was incredible. HMS Victory was another good example of the knowledge that the guides have. They were clear and informative.

I will be returning very soon to spend some time at the Mary Rose exhibition

Had a great time again this is the second visit as the tickets last a year so should be able to get another visit in before they run out. So much to see. Always so much going on.

Great value. I have been several times since I bought a ticket on Groupon last year Impossible to do it all in one, especially with the submarine and explosion museums in Gosport Love it

Fantastic value for money -0ne multi attraction ticket gives you access for a year. Mary Rose exhibit is worth the price on its ‘ own . The voluntary guides are very friendly and knowledgeable-especially Glenwood and Mike Hill . Will be coming back very soon

Fantastic place. Really loved it great family day out with lots to see couldn’t do it all in one day can’t wait to go back

Fantastic place to visit for adults & children alike . A great way for children to learn about Some Naval History as well as having fun.

I took 3 of my grandchildren on our 2nd visit with our 11 attraction Annual Pass and we took a picnic lunch & spent 5 hours there.

We saw the Westsway Wasp Helicopter then looked around the HMS Victory looked around the museum then into 'Action stations' which houses two climbing walls a Ninja Warrier course a Lazer Quest & more! Great place to go time & time again ..we will be back in the October half term 👍😊

As a visitor from South Africa I was speechless. So much to see in one day, almost impossible as it gets dark early here. This is my first ever winter Christmas in 69 years and I felt like a child in a candy store. Awesome is all I can say and thank goodness for all the photo's I was able to take. Once again thank you for the effort put in by all concerned.

Amazing day out so much history to see

The staff were so warm and friendly

The sailors where great fun and stayed to entertain the children great characters.

From captain Connor as he was known by

A Really good day out ideal for the family . The staff in the Mary rose museum were very informative and nothing too much trouble we definitely be having another visit well done PORTSMOUTH.

We love the dockyard and have been coming for years and no doubt years to come, great for all ages

Would’ve been a good day out but it was such a shame that we weren’t allowed access to the Mary Rose today. We purchased our annual ticket before Mary Rose left the annual ticket on 1st April, 2018 but were still turned away. The annual ticket should still honour the Mary Rose. Not happy at all as that is the main reason for purchasing the tickets!! Money not well spent ....... �

Where to start.... not great value for money £39 entry which I feel is over priced, includes 11 attractions but unfortantly even though the entry price is high not everything is included, additional £10 for a boat ride and £16 each for Mary Rose. Food was over priced, action stations was good but again extra for laser quest and climbing, 2 of the attractions where out of action simulator been decommissioned :( Don't get me wrong we had a good day what spoiled it was the expense you can have a day out at a theme park for less.

Went to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a Family outing to see all the Local Attractions. As always an Amazing day out Brilliant Exhibitions and Friendly knowledgeable staff Made the Experience memorable however The whole Day Out Was ruined Upon Getting the Mary Rose attraction. We made the Mary rose the Last attraction of the day (saving the Best Till last). Upon Getting Up To the ticket desk we Were denied entry As our ‘All inclusive ’ Ticket didn’t Include access to the Mary Rose and that We would have to pay An Extra £16.00 per Head For Entry, Which became In effect from the 1st April (So we were told by the Staff). This is Absolutely disgusting in my opinion. You are well Aware that the Mary Rose is one of the Pinnacles Of The Dockyard, And Are also Aware that many of You’re customers visit purely to See that attraction and to Charge double for Particular attraction Knowing full well that Customers will Happily pay double is awful business Practise. Furthermore You have made little/no effort to Inform customers of this change which Again is shoddy. You have Lost 5 future customers as None Of us will be visiting Again.

Wow, just wow.. Exceptional value for money, fascinating insight to naval history.. Got the all in one ticket spent two whole days from open to close exploring and still have more to do so will be back.. And the restaurant in bathhouse no4 is superb.. The quality of the food is awesome, ate there both days.. Will be recommending it to everyone...

We live in Ashford, Kent and have visited twice. First visit we set off early and returned late without getting everything done! For our second visit we decided to stay at the nearby premier inn. Having a longer time was better but there is still so much we didn't get to see! We will return before our annual ticket expires. Maybe we better book for a week! Love this place!

Spent a couple of days exploring all around the dock yards. Loads to do for all ages, especially 4+ years. Got family ticket with online discount which made it an even better deal. Loved the interactive parts for the children. Overall very happy 😃

Our first visit and by no means the last! Still so much to see and do! To keep 4 grandchildren aged 4 -12 happy all day is an achievement!

The Mary Rose is an amazing site to see and the exhibition itself is superb! Looking forward to going again!!

Love the naval history.. So much to see plus plenty of hands on experiences for kids and adults. Loved our visit to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory and HMS Warrior fascinating trip back in time. Plus your ticket lasts for 12mths well worth a visit.

Lots of eating places were you can purchase hot/cold food and drinks. Brilliant visit.

It's a fantastic place, so much to see and do. Steeped in naval history. A highly recommended day out for all the family.

I gave once again bought an annual all attraction ticket. Really good value. I come about 4/5 times a year and there's always something new to see/learn. I spent some time in the 'boat builders' shed with a volunteer guide. It was so informative and we were able to watch some of the students working. The quality of the workmanship was incredible. HMS Victory was another good example of the knowledge that the guides have. They were clear and informative.

I will be returning very soon to spend some time at the Mary Rose exhibition

Had a great time again this is the second visit as the tickets last a year so should be able to get another visit in before they run out. So much to see. Always so much going on.

Great value. I have been several times since I bought a ticket on Groupon last year Impossible to do it all in one, especially with the submarine and explosion museums in Gosport Love it

Fantastic value for money -0ne multi attraction ticket gives you access for a year. Mary Rose exhibit is worth the price on its ‘ own . The voluntary guides are very friendly and knowledgeable-especially Glenwood and Mike Hill . Will be coming back very soon

Fantastic place. Really loved it great family day out with lots to see couldn’t do it all in one day can’t wait to go back

Fantastic place to visit for adults & children alike . A great way for children to learn about Some Naval History as well as having fun.

I took 3 of my grandchildren on our 2nd visit with our 11 attraction Annual Pass and we took a picnic lunch & spent 5 hours there.

We saw the Westsway Wasp Helicopter then looked around the HMS Victory looked around the museum then into 'Action stations' which houses two climbing walls a Ninja Warrier course a Lazer Quest & more! Great place to go time & time again ..we will be back in the October half term 👍😊

As a visitor from South Africa I was speechless. So much to see in one day, almost impossible as it gets dark early here. This is my first ever winter Christmas in 69 years and I felt like a child in a candy store. Awesome is all I can say and thank goodness for all the photo's I was able to take. Once again thank you for the effort put in by all concerned.

Amazing day out so much history to see

The staff were so warm and friendly

The sailors where great fun and stayed to entertain the children great characters.

From captain Connor as he was known by

A Really good day out ideal for the family . The staff in the Mary rose museum were very informative and nothing too much trouble we definitely be having another visit well done PORTSMOUTH.

We love the dockyard and have been coming for years and no doubt years to come, great for all ages

Would’ve been a good day out but it was such a shame that we weren’t allowed access to the Mary Rose today. We purchased our annual ticket before Mary Rose left the annual ticket on 1st April, 2018 but were still turned away. The annual ticket should still honour the Mary Rose. Not happy at all as that is the main reason for purchasing the tickets!! Money not well spent ....... �

Where to start.... not great value for money £39 entry which I feel is over priced, includes 11 attractions but unfortantly even though the entry price is high not everything is included, additional £10 for a boat ride and £16 each for Mary Rose. Food was over priced, action stations was good but again extra for laser quest and climbing, 2 of the attractions where out of action simulator been decommissioned :( Don't get me wrong we had a good day what spoiled it was the expense you can have a day out at a theme park for less.

Went to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a Family outing to see all the Local Attractions. As always an Amazing day out Brilliant Exhibitions and Friendly knowledgeable staff Made the Experience memorable however The whole Day Out Was ruined Upon Getting the Mary Rose attraction. We made the Mary rose the Last attraction of the day (saving the Best Till last). Upon Getting Up To the ticket desk we Were denied entry As our ‘All inclusive ’ Ticket didn’t Include access to the Mary Rose and that We would have to pay An Extra £16.00 per Head For Entry, Which became In effect from the 1st April (So we were told by the Staff). This is Absolutely disgusting in my opinion. You are well Aware that the Mary Rose is one of the Pinnacles Of The Dockyard, And Are also Aware that many of You’re customers visit purely to See that attraction and to Charge double for Particular attraction Knowing full well that Customers will Happily pay double is awful business Practise. Furthermore You have made little/no effort to Inform customers of this change which Again is shoddy. You have Lost 5 future customers as None Of us will be visiting Again.