While we were in Sussex back in July we also spent a day at the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth, catching up on some of the sights we missed during our visit last December. Our first port of call was HMS Victory, which we last visited in 2007.
Over the last year or so they’ve begun a major restoration project, making sure she survives another few centuries, as the years sitting in dry dock haven’t been kind to her structure. This made sweeping photos of the exterior of Victory impossible as she’s now cloaked in a huge tent for protection while they work. Instead I focused on seeking out interesting small scenes around the interior, making the most of the historical details and the subdued lighting.
Inside Nelson's private quarters.
Click on any image to see it enlarged.
The spot where Nelson died, marked by a laurel wreath carved into the ship and a single lantern.
One new addition since we last visited was the opportunity to head down into the bowels of the dry dock and see Victory from beneath, including her huge copper lined rudder,
Looking out across the dockyard to one of the modern aircraft carriers.
After lunch we explored one of the more recent naval ships - HMS M33 - the sole survivor of the Galipoli campaign during the first world war.
It was roastingly hot inside (and no doubt freezing cold in the winter) but we had a fascinating glimpse of life aboard ship.
A behind the scenes view of the on-board bathing facilities!
Atmospheric shadows
Inside the Captain’s quarters.
Photos taken 11 July 2024