We take pride in our stewardship of the buildings and spaces within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and at Priddy’s Hard in Gosport, as well as the historic vessels in our collection. Our role extends beyond mere physical preservation; we are the custodians of their stories.

Our position is unique, entrusted with the care and preservation of the buildings and spaces linked to the Royal Navy around Portsmouth Harbour. This responsibility is not just our priority but our passion.

At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, we cultivate a welcoming environment and reinforce its status as the city’s historic heart. Through collaboration with key tenants and partners, we are dedicated to transforming it into a vibrant, living dockyard.

Likewise, we are committed to the development of Priddy’s Hard into a thriving, diverse community. Rooted in its heritage, we seek to unlock its potential to drive regeneration along the Gosport waterfront, generating income and activity for the area.

Breathing New Life into Heritage

We’re here to breathe new life into heritage, restoring and reimagining historic spaces and vessels so they continue to inspire and serve communities into the future.

From creative partnerships with artist Pete Codling and the Ankle Deep studios, to our work with the Mary Rose Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. These relationships help us drive both capital projects and cultural activity across our sites. Membership of the Heritage Alliance and other sector bodies helps us stay connected and contribute to wider heritage conversations.

We focus on delivering sustainable projects, inclusive events and meaningful volunteer opportunities, ensuring our heritage remains open, relevant and enriching for everyone.

Our Sites

Priddy’s Hard in Gosport, established in 1777, boasts a storied past as one of the world’s oldest ordnance depots, its sprawling 25-acre site encompassing historic magazines, earthwork defences, and a legacy of military significance.

Meanwhile, Historic Dockyard Portsmouth traces its origins back to King Richard I’s decree in 1194, evolving into a vibrant maritime hub housing the world’s first dry dock and pioneering industrial facilities. Together, these sites serve as bastions of naval heritage, preserving centuries of maritime legacy for posterity.

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Priddy’s Hard Master plan

At Priddy’s Hard, our journey of development reflects our commitment to preserving history while embracing community growth. We’ve achieved significant milestones, including the conversion of E Magazine into the Powder Monkey microbrewery, converting an historic case store into a taphouse, and creating the facilities for the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Night Hunter’s exhibition.

Now, our focus shifts to a thoughtful plan, guided by what’s best for the site and its surrounding communities.

As we continue this journey, we’re dedicated to creating a place where history, creativity, and community thrive in harmony.

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Our Buildings

Explore the architectural wonders within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Priddy’s Hard in Gosport. From historic boathouses to gunpowder magazines, each structure carries a rich legacy of naval history and innovation. Delve into the stories of these iconic buildings and their role in shaping maritime heritage.

See our buildings
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Our Vessels

Discover the indispensable role of small craft in military operations, and explore one of the largest collections of its kind. From powerful steamers and high-speed powerboats to swift sailboats, each vessel tells a unique tale of naval ingenuity. Our Collection includes operational craft moored at our Boathouse 4 pontoon network.

See our vessels