Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower

undefined, Solent News

The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower is housed in the former Royal Navy armaments depot at Priddy's Hard in Gosport, on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour. The site was established in 1777 to store gunpowder and munitions away from the main dockyard, and the original magazine buildings, with their blast-proof walls and copper fittings, survive as some of the finest examples of Georgian military architecture in Britain. The museum traces the history of naval firepower from the age of gunpowder through to modern missile systems. Exhibits include cannons, torpedoes, mines, shells, and the stories of the men and women who manufactured and handled these weapons. The site's own history as an active armaments depot, where workers filled shells and loaded munitions barges for over two centuries, adds an authentic backdrop to the displays. The museum is part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. The surrounding Priddy's Hard Heritage Area includes a nature reserve on the former ramparts and waterfront walks with views across to the Historic Dockyard.