Nostalgic memories of Devonport's local history

Share your own memories of Devonport and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 22 in total

My grandfather, Uriah Hazlehurst, served on this ship from 2nd April 1877 until 2nd March 1879 with a short break between 6th to 19th August 1878 when he was with 'R. Adelaide'. He went on to serve in the RN until 4th October 1895 when he was discharged to Plymouth Hospital.
My great-grandfather John King served as an AB on HMS 'Royal Adelaide' from 11th August 1867 to 12th May 1868. His service record was marked 'Shore C S expired'. He joined the navy in 1856 aged 15 years and 9 months. This marked the end of his first term of 10 years as an adult in the service. He was from Kilrush, Co. Clare in Ireland and and I have a record of his marriage on September 14th 1867 ...see more
When I lived in Plymouth as a child in the 50s and 60s I went to a primary school at Keyham, part of Devonport. The bus would drop me off near Camel`s Head Creek, which was part of The Hamoaze. In those days the water came right up to the main road and you could walk along and look out. It was known as Perfume Corner due to the stink from the sewage works. There was a pub called The Camel`s Head, with a ...see more
I have a copy of my Grandfather's Naval records and it shows he served on the Royal Adelaide in 1887 as a B1C(whatever that means). His name was Thomas Tench. As I have never seen a photo of him I keep hoping a crew photo from one of his ships will turn up. This was his second posting.
My great-grandfather served on this ship between 1875/1876 as a Royal Marine marksman, having joined the RM's at 13 years old in 1870. He also served on HMS's 'Agincourt', 'London', 'Simoom', 'Thetis', 'Lion' and finally 'Mercury'. I have a very fine etching of HMS 'Agincourt', aground on the Pearl Rock, Gibralta and am hoping to locate prints/photos of his other ships noted above. I served with the RN, from 1952, to 1961, with immense pride and pleasure as an L/SA (v).
My grandfather started training on this ship. He was in the RN for 19 years. I wish I could find out more about him. All I have is his service record, but no pictures.
This picture shows St Mary Church which extended from west to east between Edinburgh Road (previously named Dock Wall Street), and James Street. It might have been taken from the top of The Column in Ker Street. The long building extending from north to south was the ropery where my Aunt Blanch worked at the turn of the twentieth century. The Dock Yard wall, which remains to this day, can be seen as if ...see more
My great grandfather, George Jarvis, served on HMS Impregnable in Devonport according to the 1891 census at the age of 16. He went on to become a petty officer in the Navy.
My Great, Great Grandfather served on this ship several times as a signalman ending in 1889 as 2nd Yeoman. Ian Finch, Truro, Cornwall ifinch@brannel.cornwall.sch.uk
My Great Great Grandfather Frederick George Rivers served and trained on this ship from 1886 to 1887, and trained on another 5 ships in Devonport between 1881 and 1891. Including HMS Duke of Wellington, HMS Rupert and HMS Northampton. He served on his first ship at the age of 16.