HMS Warrior in retirement at Portsmouth - Martin Swan RSMA

Launched in 1860, despite being the most powerful warship in the Channel Fleet, in which she served until 1875, HMS Warrior, the Royal Navy’s first iron-clad ship, led a largely peaceful life. Indeed, her most exciting moment came in 1863 when she was sent to escort the Royal Yacht carrying Princess Alexandra of Denmark to her wedding with Edward, Prince of Wales.

Later, after serving as a guardship and drill ship, there followed a long period of neglect during which she was used as a floating pontoon at the oil depot at Milford Haven. Happily, in 1978 she was rescued and restored to her former glory by the Maritime Trust.

She now resides at a permanent berth on the Hard at Portsmouth.

Original Watercolour