The dockyard began in what is now known as the South Yard area of Devonport. It was here that Dummer built his groundbreaking stone dry dock (completely rebuilt in the 1840s). The numbers employed at the yard increased from 736 in 1711 to 2,464 in 1730.

When was Devonport naval base built?

Naval base history

”Naval operations began at Devonport Naval Base in 1841.” Additional facilities, including fuel storage tanks, firing range and sports facilities, were built after the depot and training ship HMS Philomel arrived at the base in 1921.

What is the biggest naval base in the UK?

HMNB Devonport. The largest naval base in Western Europe, Devonport has been supporting the Royal Navy since 1691. The vast site covers more than 650 acres and has 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths and five basins.