Horsea Island currently isn’t actually an island anymore, it’s more recognisable as the land reclaimed from the sea to form Port Solent, the old land fill and also the home to part of HMS Excellent. Before it’s joining to the mainland the island in Portsmouth Harbour was actually two islands, Great and Little Horsea. In the early 1800s both islands were homes to farms but by 1885 the islands had been purchased by the Admiralty which had plans to build a very early torpedo test station. Over a period of four years the two islands became one, with convicts using chalk spill to join them from Paulsgrove chalk pit on Portsdown Hill, where the islands joined a new rectangular lake was formed.
The new lake was 800 yards long (later extended to over 1000 yards) with access via a harbour entrance and maintained naturally by two submerged freshwater springs. The lake had a torpedo firing building two stories high with launch tubes above and below the waterline. The facility was opened in 1889 and named the Whitehead Torpedo Adjusting and Experimental Range. By the 1st World War torpedo range had developed so much that even with the lake extension it was no longer needed. The lake and island became the site of one of the Navy’s three high-power shore wireless stations and then later a testing station for early submarines, motor torpedo boats and ejector seats.
In later years the lake became a diving school for the navy that was also opened up to the public for diving for a while. For diving purposes the lake contains a wealth of marine life and also has a number of items placed for diver training including a helicopter, vehicles and a 200 year-old ship wreck.
Despite there no longer being public access to the lake it’s distinctive shape is still easily recognisable from the top of the hill but the base itself is very discrete and has probably been discovered mostly by accident when taking a wrong turn out of Port Solent and finding the armed guards gates a bit of a surprise. A couple of years ago there were grand designs that the island would also one day be home to the new Portsmouth FC stadium, which now seems unlikely.
Over it’s long and varied history Horsea Island forms yet another piece of the fascinating and diverse history of Portsmouth Harbour. You can find out more on Wikipedia and also the detailed history on the Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officers’ Association website.
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum just across the harbour has an amazing archive of old submarine photos on their Facebook page and are also doing ‘On This Day’ updates, today’s is the sinking of Submarine Artemis:
“1 July 1971- Submarine Artemis founders whilst alongside at Dolphin. The boat sank stern first due to errors on trim following a docking: hatches were fouled by electricity cables and could not be shut”.
Be sure to like the museum’s Facebook page to be kept up to date and have a look at the photo archive too.
www.facebook.com/RoyalNavySubmarineMuseum
With all the talk of HMS Ark Royal being decommissioned and her unknown future it was a shame to hear about HMS Invincible leaving Portsmouth this morning for the scrapyard, all with very little fanfare. HMS Invincible was the first of the Invincible class (the others were HMS Illustrious and HMS Ark Royal) and was the key vessel in the Task Force that went to the Falklands.
Charlie Thompson’s Dad took these photos from the Round Tower as HMS Invincible left Portsmouth Harbour for the last time. A sad sight.
Portsmouth’s BIG Day Out is just round the corner offering all sorts of deals at Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Museums, The Dockyard, Spinnaker and much more. Check out all the details of at www.portsmouthbigdayout.co.uk and also at their Facebook. To view the terms and conditions for this weekend, please click HERE
I’m a bit late on getting the this weeks ‘Photo of the Week’ up. Busy, busy, busy in the new year already. Here’s what Dan has to say. “After the splattering of snow we got here in Portsmouth there were some awesome skies, but this was good timing as the sun began to set and emerged beneath the clouds to bring the grey harbour to life, if only momentarily. From the top of Portsdown Hill it was stunning.” Click the photo for wallpaper sized.
To mark the decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal, there will be a parade through the city centre on Saturday 22nd January from 11:15am – 12 noon, from Paradise Street to the Guildhall Square. The parade is a chance to say goodbye and to thank the crew and the ship from the people of Portsmouth, her home port. The ship has been a great servant to the British Navy since 1985 and has seen much action across the globe including the Bosnian war and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
James Waterfield just got in contact regarding this amazing 45ft mural of a Pirate Tavern that he painted as a backdrop for Boathouse 7 in the Historic dockyard. Its going to be used for their Pirates of the Caribbean Christmas parties this December, including the Christmas Ball in aid of Help The Heroes & The Falklands Veterans Foundation on Friday 3rd December 2010.
Ably assisted by his father and Albert Road resident Rob Waterfield the mural took about 2 days of planning and was painted over nine days this november. “Had great fun painting it and looking forward to everyone enjoying themselves at the christmas parties, I think tickets are selling out fast though.”
Love Southsea are proudly hosting a Christmas Ball in aid of “Help The Heroes” & “The Falklands Veterans Foundation” on Friday 3rd December 2010. This fantastic evening will be held at No.7 Boathouse within Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
You will be welcomed with drinks on arrival (rum cocktails in true Naval style!), followed by a three course dinner with wine. In addition, there will have some truly fantastic entertainment; live band, casino, silent auction and fun surprises too.
Tickets are £60 each, individually or sold in tables of 10. We hope you will be able to support our night, a perfect way to kick start your Christmas celebrations with your friends, family or colleagues.
Dress: Black Tie & Fabulous!
Please secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Please go on www.lovesouthsea.co.uk to purchase tickets securely online or alternatively, telephone Louise on 07729 294137 or Fergie on 07767 060388.
Thank you from LOVESOUTHSEA
Love Southsea are proudly hosting a Christmas Ball in aid of “Help The Heroes” & “The Falklands Veterans Foundation” on Friday 3rd December 2010. This fantastic evening will be held at No.7 Boathouse within Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
You will be welcomed with drinks on arrival (rum cocktails in true Naval style!), followed by a three course dinner with wine. In addition, there will have some truly fantastic entertainment; live band, casino, silent auction and fun surprises too.
Tickets are £60 each, individually or sold in tables of 10. We hope you will be able to support our night, a perfect way to kick start your Christmas celebrations with your friends, family or colleagues.
Dress: Black Tie & Fabulous!
Please secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Please go on www.lovesouthsea.co.uk to purchase tickets securely online or alternatively, telephone Louise on 07729 294137 or Fergie on 07767 060388.
Thank you from LOVESOUTHSEA
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