Portland - glimpses of a naval past – a recent acquisition for Dorset History Centre

Thanks to generous support from Dorset Archives Trust and a grant from the Friends of the National Libraries, Dorset History Centre (DHC) was recently able to purchase some fascinating records and photographs relating to the naval and maritime history of Portland. Most significant within the material are a series of photographs, some of them in the form of original glass plate negatives showing the very busy naval harbour and its range of installations. In addition, and perhaps most interestingly, are the original specification and pricing for the Portland breakwater extension, dated 1897. The breakwater was required in part to protect the base against torpedo attack, which by that time was clearly regarded as a serious threat to the integrity of the fleet. The volume provides a detailed breakdown of materials and labour, with the total price quoted for the breakwater as £507,199, although the total cost of the two new breakwaters, which took some six years was reputedly £652,000. By contrast, according to the schedule of rates for employment on the project, a skilled labourer was paid the sum of 7d per hour.

An official diary which was purchased as part of this collection relates daily events during construction. Daily weather conditions are recorded, along with the number of men involved in construction. On 24 March 1902, during ‘rough weather’, 718 men were at work and 868 tonnes of stone was moved into place.

Overall, this material provides a fascinating insight into the vital role that Portland once played in the country’s southern naval defences and provides detailed evidence of the gargantuan cost and effort in building one of the county’s most visible maritime features.