Celebrating 10 Years

Date published 16/09/2019

From headline-stealing conservation projects to saving key ships, boats, aircraft and artefacts to blockbuster exhibitions and landmark donations, The National Museum of the Royal Navy has made a huge impact on naval heritage in a very short time. It is one of the UK’s youngest museums and one of the most ambitious.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, tells the story of the four fighting forces of the British Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Fleet Air Arm, the Submarine Service and the Surface Fleet. It tells the epic story of the Royal Navy, its impact on Britain and the world from its origins in 625 A.D. to the present day. Over the last 10 years we've saved incredible artefacts for the nation and preserved naval history for all. 

Highlights include:

  • A £20 million project in Belfast with First World War Battle of Jutland survivor HMS Caroline at the centre of Alexandra Dock & Wharf, in the city’s popular Titanic Quarter.
     
  • The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard including HMS Warrior, Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and  First World War Gallipoli campaign survivor HMS M.33. The destination brand Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a key asset held by the museum.
     
  • The Royal Navy Submarine Museum with Cold War-era HMS Alliance and Explosion, the Museum of Naval Firepower,  both in Gosport. The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset, home to 103 aircraft.
     
  • The U.K’s oldest historic fighting ship still afloat, HMS Trincomalee at The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.
     
  • The Royal Marines Museum, which is currently closed but there are plans to open a new museum in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard once funding is secured.
     
  • Affiliates include HMS Unicorn (Dundee); HMS Wellington (London); the Medusa Trust (Portsmouth); the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust (Portsmouth), Haslar Heritage Group, the D-Day Museum (Portsmouth) and HMS Courageous, Devonport.

Take a look at our timeline as we look back at key milestones and moments we're proud of as the UK's newest National Museum.