Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust

21/02/2023

Thank you for your visit and very kind donation. Come back and see us again soon.

16/12/2022

Archie Malley who began his Dockyard career as an Engine Fitter Apprentice in 1950 has sadly passed away aged 88.
Archie served a five year apprenticeship and upon completion was immediately conscripted into the Army for two years National Service. In 1960 he became a Recorder & retired in 1994.
In 1984 when The Historical Society was founded (now known as Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust (PRDHT)), Archie soon joined. His knowledge of the history of the Yard, its buildings and warships was immense and unsurpassed. He had been credited in numerous publications for his expertise and his eye for detail and was still an active Thursday participant until his ill health some weeks ago.

Archie will be very sadly missed.

30/10/2022

Visitors from Havant U3A

06/09/2022

Todays visitors to PRDHT from Emsworth PROBUS.

01/09/2022

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees - Den Miles with his Grandson Zach.

20/08/2022

On behalf of the members of The Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust; I would like to wish our longest serving member Archie Malley a very Happy 88th Birthday.
Archie started as an Engine Fitter Apprentice in 1950. He served a five year apprenticeship and on completion was immediately conscripted into the Army for two years National Service. In 1960 he became a Recorder. He retired in 1994.
In 1984 The Historical Society was founded. Archie soon joined. His knowledge of the history of the Yard, its buildings and its Warships is immense. He has been credited in numerous publications for his expertise and his eye for detail. Archies continued association with The Yard will be seventy years this September. Please wish Archie a very Happy Birthday.

Alan Roblin. PRDHT.

02/08/2022

Thanks for your visit Jill & Steve. Pleased that you enjoyed it.

25/07/2022

Ex Dockies visit PRDHT - they loved it!

26/05/2022

Thanks to Karenanne Knight and Louis Netter from University of Portsmouth for a great visit to PRDHT today.

14/04/2022

A huge pleasure to host the last of this weeks visitors.

A remarkable 84 year old Harry Cripps (pictured) viewing his Rate Book entry for the first time. He started his apprenticeship in May 1954.

13/04/2022

Todays very welcome visitors - from Waterlooville U3A

12/04/2022

A great visit from some fascinated ex Dockies!

26/03/2022

It's not often PRDHT gets to host 10 Coppersmiths, a Ftr/Turner & a Welder. A great time was had by all - including me and Mick Halliday.

11/03/2022

Huge pleasure to host retired Boilermaker Nicky Ball & his wife Lynn for a tour of our “treasurers.”
Nick was particularly delighted to have been shown his own Rate Book entry written in the '60's!

10/03/2022

Article courtesy of PRDHT member Alan Roblin.
During the night of 10th and 11th March 1941, the City of Portsmouth and its Royal Dockyard were seriously damaged by air attacks. Over 250 high explosive bombs and thousands of incendiary bombs were dropped on the city. The Dockyard received many direct hits that night. One of the many buildings badly damaged was No 10 Store. Incendiary bombs set fire to the roof causing a four sided clock tower to collapse, along with the roof, top floor and contents were lost. On the night of the bombing the building was saved from total devastation by the actions of the Dockyard Fire Brigade, they pumped sea water from the harbour to douse the flames; this was the only way to contain the fire.
The building was originally built during the reign of King George III, opening in 1776 when it was used as a storage for sails, canvas, ropes, cordage, pitch and tar. The building was originally built on the shoreline. Ships were able to berth at a jetty and load or unload directly into the store.
The reason for telling the story is firstly to remember what happened 81 years ago and the hardships and suffering that the people of Portsmouth had to endure. Secondly to celebrate No 10 Store as the home of the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust. The Trust holds a collection of Dockyard historical artefacts, the oldest dates from 1677 up until to the present date. A lot of the collection has been donated by ex Yard men and their families. We now have over 1.25 million artefacts.
Ironic to think that 81 years ago everything in No 10 Store was lost and now with the Royal Naval Museum on the ground floor and the Historical Trust on the 1st floor;
items from the past have been saved and preserved as a reminder of past generations and an ever expanding legacy for future generations.

14/11/2021

Paul Wassell with his wife Mandy looking proudly at his late father’s (Bill Wassell) toolbox which is on display in No 7 Boathouse.

02/11/2021

Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust

Secretary Vacancy

The Members Group of the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust (PRDHT) is looking for a volunteer to take on the role of Secretary. The main task will be to take notes at meetings which are usually held quarterly.
This is an opportunity to understand what goes on 'behind the scenes' in our efforts to tell the 'Dockyard Story' to future generations.
If you are interested in learning more about this vacancy please contact Mike Huitson by email or tap the Apply Now button: [email protected]

Send a message to learn more.

20/10/2021

The outstanding efforts of Portsmouth Dockyard personnel in readying a Task Force for its deployment to the Falkland Islands is mentioned several times in one of the articles in a new publication called Glimpses of War Volume 2. It’s a compilation of military stories & eye witness accounts.
Available from Amazon, all profits go to Blind Veterans UK.

18/10/2021

A new sign located at the entrance to the Apprentices museum in Boathouse No 7. It is hoped that this will attract more visitors to this fascinating & free attraction.

18/10/2021

A welcome revisit to PRDHT from Liz & Tony Aylen and from Liz’s sister Emma.
Following a tour of No 7 Boathouse Apprentices museum the Aylen family escorted by Mick Halliday and Mike Huitson were blown away by the tribute/display of Liz and Emma’s Great, Great & Grandfather’s artefacts previously donated in 2018.

16/10/2021

This happy photo was taken following a busy days visit from members of Waterlooville U3A. Thanks for coming!

21/09/2021

Farewell and rest in peace to PRDHT Treasurer Mike Smith. The sun shone throughout the “celebration of Mike's life” held at The Oaks Havant Crematorium today.
It was standing room only. Amongst the tributes paid during the service PRDHT Chair Board of Trustees Dennis Miles had guests smiling with some magical anecdotes about Mike. A Royal Marines bugler sounded the Last Post as the standard bearers lowered their flags.
Guests watched as a dozen white doves were released. A fabulous tribute to a lovely man who will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.

Photo taken during a “run ashore” en’ route to the Senior Rates Mess one lunchtime in 2019.
Dennis Miles, Mike Smith R.I.P. & Mike Huitson

08/09/2021

Mike Smith

It is with much regret that I announce the sad passing of PRDHT's long serving Treasurer Mike Smith. Mikes wit, humour and enthusiasm made it all worthwhile and his loss will leave a hole that can’t be filled. His memory however will be cherished for ever.

As a survivor of HMS Sheffield’s Exocet sinking Mike had many a tale of his RN days to tell.

Shortly prior to his passing, my wife Jeanette and I visited him at his Gunwharf residence where he eagerly handed over the “Treasurers reigns” to Jeanette (pictured). It was a very happy sunny visit and he made us most welcome.

Mikes service will be held at The Oaks Havant Crematorium on Tuesday September 21st at 11.30.

RiP our dear friend.

08/07/2021

Today’s masked visitors (pictured with PRDHT’s Nigel Linger - 2nd from left) were from nearby Boathouse 4. Thanks for visiting gents.

02/06/2021

A great pleasure to welcome CEO Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust - Hannah Prowse today for a brief tour of PRDHT.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.

17/02/2021

Great initiative by Andy Cave

30/10/2020

Dockyard Workers Recognition.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress today at Boathouse No 7. This superbly crafted plaque is in honour of the dedication and labours of civilian and military personnel who were involved with the enhancement, support and repair of the 39 ships that were worked on within Portsmouth Dockyard.
Naval Base commander - Commodore Jeremy Bailey RN gave an opening address and went on to thank Andrew Cave (who originated the idea) Dennis Miles and Nigel Linger from Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust, BAE Systems, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust and BAE Systems machinist apprentice Rohann Pearce.

The plaque is displayed at the entrance to the Apprentices exhibition within Boathouse No 7.

29/09/2020

Despite the Pandemic the Triangle Girls project (safely) continues.
Today the team from PRDHT & Portsmouth University (all socially distanced of course 😷) discussed the last stages of this exciting piece of Portsmouth history.

29/09/2020

A great pleasure to meet and host the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress today prior to their tour of PRDHT.

17/09/2020

A very recent donation to PRDHT by Hosemaker Paul Newman. Paul made the leather briefcase during his Dockyard apprenticeship in the 70's.
It’s intended to display the box and its fascinating contents in Storehouse 10.

19/08/2020

We’re back.... safely!
(Pictured) - The Apprentices Exhibition in No 7 Boathouse.

03/07/2020

4 Dockyard Trust Support Group

Congrats to Jess McIntosh on attaining a 1st for her dissertation. Jess filmed and produced this video all about PRDHT.

https://youtu.be/fx5SM5Rt3Qg

20/06/2020

EMPLOYMENT RECORDS

Despite the current pandemic, three of our stalwart volunteers have continued to provide this fascinating service. Thank you to Eileen, Dave and Mike for their Stirling efforts.

Click this link https://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/employment-records
You will be directed to the Search Employment page (see photo).
Complete the search fields - Name & Surname then click Submit.
Our database holds details of several hundred thousand names. Hence very frequently the results may deliver several people of the same name. Knowing the individuals middle name, occupation/trade, or relevant dates may well help you identify the person that you’re looking for once the results page displays

PRDHT holds an (incomplete) set of original Dockyard Registers of Employment - our amazing hand written Rate Books. These contain details of employees who worked in the Dockyard itself, or in Admiralty Establishments in the Portsmouth area, some even further afield. Recorded dates range from 1862 to 1966. In 1966 the system changed from written ledgers to punch cards. Unfortunately in the late 1990s the cards were sent to the civilian records archive at Llangennech (which closed over 10 years ago). Sadly their current whereabouts are unknown.

ORDER FOR A MORE COMPLETE RECORD
To order a copy of the full employment record, click on the Name whose records you wish to order and complete the form that will appear.
Please ensure that you enter your full name.
Upon receipt of your correctly completed form, we will contact you by e-mail, asking for a donation of £15 in respect of each record requested. You will also be invited to Gift Aid any donation to help it go further. Do not send any money until we have responded to your enquiry.

Please note that we do not supply records for persons who are still alive without their written permission.

05/03/2020

It never ceases to amaze me - the enthusiasm that our guests have for the Dockyard and for PRDHT's exhibits and anecdotes.
Thank you to BAE Systems Maritime Services Head of Safety Health & Environment (SHE) Brad Hicks & Andy Clark.
Great pleasure to host your visit.

05/03/2020

Many congratulations to Dr. Melanie Bassett for having been elected onto the Board of Trustees of Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust group. Mel will be a huge asset.

28/02/2020

Remembering Brian Patterson, the driving force behind the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust and the Fort Cumberland Guard.

27/02/2020

Almost a quarter of a millennium - Dockyard service.
Mick Halliday, Rich Cade, Dave Burnett, Mike Huitson Roger Bohea

14/02/2020

Thanks to Andy, Sarah and Kerry for visiting PRDHT yesterday.
Your kind comments are much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed the morning - so did we!

07/02/2020

What a week!
Here are the rest of PRDHT’s visitors during National Apprentice Week 2020.

07/02/2020

Continuing this weeks support of National Apprentice Week 2020, PRDHT hosted more BAE Systems apprentices and their manager Matt Hymers.
Great to see the support continued with a visit to The Trust by BAE Systems Maritime Services Head of Operations - Paul Scantlebury, Capability Lead - Glenn Turnbull and Head of Early Careers and Skills - Matt Gordon pictured with our Chairman of the Board of Trustees - Dennis Miles.