Devonport, HMS Magnificent 1898
Photo ref: 41938
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Photo ref: 41938
Photo of Devonport, HMS Magnificent 1898

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A unit of the Majestic class of nine battleships completed between 1895 and 1898 at a cost of approximately £1 million each. Displacing 14,000 tons, 'Magnificent' and two of her sisters, 'Victorious' and 'Illustrious', were built at Chatham. The main battery comprised 4 x 12-inch mark VIII, 35 calibre guns with an arc of fire of 260 degrees; the secondary battery consisted of 12 x 6-inch. Close-in defence was provided for in the shape of 16 x 12-pdrs, 12 x 3-pdrs, 2 Maxims and 5 x 18-inch torpedo tubes, and a midships net defence against torpedo attack when at anchor. The total weight of ammunition carried was 355 tons. The Majestics carried over 4000 tons of armour plate, varying in thickness from 4 inches on the deck slopes to 14 inches on the conning tower and barbettes. The hull was divided into 150 watertight compartments with a total of 208 watertight doors. These ships had two funnels; placed side-by-side instead of the more traditional fore and aft.

A Selection of Memories from Devonport

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Devonport

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My wife's great great grandfather served on the Royal Adelaide
My great uncle served on the training ship HMS impregnable in 1920 Devonport before it was out of service 1921. When it was broken up and timbers used to rebuild and refurbish Liberty Store London. It was called various names in her past. Howe, Bulwark. Wendy Candlin
Hi My Grand-father John Ralph Cantell started his Royal Navy career on board this ship. 22nd May -4th June 1886. He served until 1908, had a few years off! and then was called up for WW1, and served from 1914-1919.
I love Devonport and it has changed immensely. I am part of the Beyond The Walls Project and we are trying to collate as much of that change as possible. I grew up in the 1970's and 1980's. I love old photographs as they tell me so much about where I come from. The Frith Collection is a wonderful image bank. I am also capturing images of my own. Please email my project at beyondthewalls@outlook.com for more information.