HMS Victory Evening Anniversary Tours and Daytime Talks

News release issued: 12th June 2009

Marking The 250^th Anniversary Of The Laying Of HMS Victory’s Keel

 

See HMS Victory in a new light as July 23^rd marks the 250th anniversary of the laying of HMS Victory’s keel and celebrates the beginning of the world’s oldest commissioned warship. This significant date will be marked with a series of special evening guided tours and daytime talks, allowing visitors to find out more about HMS Victory and her unique place in maritime history.

 

It is hoped that the tours will venture into the dock bottom to view the keel at close range and give people a completely different perspective of the ship as she sits with her 3500 tons overhead!

 

On selected dates surrounding the anniversary, a personal guide will recreate life onboard an 18th Century 'Man of War' and include visits to areas of the ship not normally accessible to the public, making it a special night to remember.

 

There will also be special daytime anniversary talks in the Princess Royal Gallery of the Royal Naval Museum to mark the event. Peter Goodwin (Keeper and Curator of HMS Victory) will give a fascinating insight into the building of HMS Victory and will include information on Chatham Dockyard, the supply of timber, the design and designer, the workforce and the techniques employed.

 

Having served in the Royal Navy and with a degree in Marine Engineering and a degree form the Institute of Maritime Studies, Peter Goodwin has had a particular interest in square-rigged warships for over 35 years, making him a specialist in 18th century ship construction, guns and related industrial materials. His main role is to act as historical and technical advisor for the development and interpretation of HMS Victory including her rigging, internal and external hull reconstruction. As well as working on other ship restoration and replication projects and being a regular contributor to maritime history journals and TV work, Peter has also worked as historical advisor for the film Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe and the celebrated Hornblower series. Over the years he has written 8 books about HMS Victory and Georgian ships. 

 

HMS Victory remains the most famous warship in the world and had an illustrious career, culminating in leading the fleet to victory at Trafalgar. Her keel was laid in 1759, the year commonly dubbed Annus Mirabilis or ‘wonderful year’ because Britain won a remarkable series of victories, the greatest of which was Wolfe’s capture of Quebec. It is likely this is why she is named Victory.

 

In July 1759, Mr Edward Allen, Master Shipwright of Chatham Dockyard received a letter from the Principle Officers and Commissioners of the Admiralty directing him:

"To make preparation and to prepare costing for a First-Rate Ship of 100 guns, to be built and fitted for sea at Chatham".

Upon receipt of this warrant, work began on the ship that was to become HMS Victory.

 

The Victory was designed by Thomas Slade, the Senior Surveyor of the Navy and the keel was laid down in the old single dock at Chatham Dockyard on 23 July 1759. According to a report it was a "bright and sunny day". Timber for constructing a first rate ship had been placed in store to season some 14 years before. It is very probable that the long seasoning time greatly contributed to the ship's eventual longevity.

 

ENDS

Listings Information:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HMS Victory Evening Anniversary Tours and Daytime Talks

Evening Anniversary Tour Dates: Sat 18 July, Sun 19 July, Mon 20 July, Wed 22 July and Sat 25 July

Tour Times: Two tours per evening at 6pm and 6.15pm (1 hour 30mins)

Tour Tickets: Adult/Senior £15, Children (5-15 years) £10, Family (up to 5 people, max 2 adults/seniors) £50

Numbers are limited (max 20 per tour) and all tours must be booked in advance.

Daytime Anniversary Talk Dates and Times: Tue 21 and Wed 22 July at 2pm (1 hour)

Numbers are limited (max 30 per talk) and all talks must be booked in advance.

Talk Tickets: Adult £7, Concessions £5

Booking: 023 9283 9766 – press option 2, followed by option 1 to book a place