The history behind the gates of RNAD Priddy’s Hard were kept sealed since 1750 and only in 1977 was the life of the Depot allowed to be told. The site was purchased by an act from King George III in 1750 and the Board of Ordnance purchased 40 acres of agricultural land from Jane Priddy and a Fareham Vicar, Thomas Missing. The agricultural land also comprised of a boatyard–thus giving birth to Priddy’s Hard. Hards …
~ A history of Victoria Park, Portsmouth ~ Originally meadows farmland, Victoria Park is a public park located just to the north of Portsmouth Guildhall, adjacent to Portsmouth and Southsea railway station and close to the city centre in Portsmouth, Hampshire. The North West corner and West side were originally occupied by part of the old city walls which were demolished to make way for the park. Originally leased from The War Department, it was officially …
When we look back at Titchfield history we usually think about the 6th century Village, Abby, market and small port, established by the Jutish tribe from Denmark. Although throughout its rich heritage, Titchfield played a major role in wartime Britain, one being RAF Titchfield: The No. 12 Balloon Centre. The establishment covered the following areas; The 924 Squadron, with 24 Balloons covering the Eastleigh area. The 930 Squadron, with 40 land-based balloons and 10 waterborne …
Earthen ramparts constructed as part of Gosport Lines (the defences of Portsmouth Harbour and the Royal Dockyard) to form Priddy’s Hard Fort. In 1776 the Ordnance Board and the First Lord of the Admiralty decided to relocate gunpowder storage from the Square Tower, Portsmouth, to Priddy’s Hard, where the ramparts served as a blast wall to protect the surrounding area from the occasional accidental explosions which in Portsmouth had been the cause of great loss …
Torpedo warfare demonstrations made an interesting performance for the instruction of the naval and military services in the use of torpedoes and submarine mines took place on the night of Thursday, the 16th October, in front of the shore to the west of Portsmouth harbour, below Haslar Hospital, where Fort Monckton and Fort Gilkicker command the roadstead of Spithead. Night Attack on Submarine defences by HMS Glatton and gun boats These forts are supported by …