The Ceremonial Gate circa 1950:. Credit: Gosport Discovery Centre Photographic Collection - donated by Peter Neal.
If you have ever wondered about the history of Royal Clarence Yard, The Gosport Society is hosting what promises to be a really interesting talk: "How Royal Clarence Yard in Gosport victualled the Royal Navy: from the pre-Victorian era to the late 20th century", by RCY resident, naval researcher and biographer, David Verghese.
Date & Time: Wednesday October 12, 2022. 7:30pm onwards. The meeting will finish by 9pm.
Venue: The Lower Hall, Bay House School, Gomer Lane, Gosport PO12 2QP. Car parking is available at the school. Click here for a map and directions.
Refreshments: Tea/coffee is available from about 7:10pm. There is a pub opposite the school - for after-talk refreshment!
Price: Free to Gosport Society members. £3 for non-members (please register in advance with Gosport Society Chairman, Richard Cook, 07542 515014.) Payment on the door
It is advisable to book your place soon as there may be a physical limit on numbers of visitors attending.
About the talk:
In the 1820’s a number of victualling operations, on behalf of the Royal Navy fleet based at Portsmouth, were transferred to the Admiralty Weevil Depot at Gosport, which already contained a cooperage and had hosted a succession of ale breweries. The newly consolidated facility became the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard.
It quickly developed responsibility for providing Her Majesty's ships with biscuits, rum, salted meat, fresh water, other food supplies and later, naval clothing.
The speaker will trace the origins of the Victualling Yard (RCY) and relate its continuous operation from the early 19th century through the conflicts of two later world wars, including much bombing damage to the Yard and focus on its support of the Normandy Invasion. The later diversification of RCY will be explored in addition to the further support of naval operations towards the end of the 20th century.
Membership of the Gosport Society: There will be an opportunity to formally join the Gosport Society on the entrance at a reduced (half-yearly) fee. For more information about The Gosport Society, it's activities and Membership options, please see their website.
