HMS Warrior has the luxury of her own pier and visitors are thus able to view the entire length of the hull. Here’s a view of the fine figurehead and her bow. Warrior is permanently anchored in place and has been at Portsmouth for the last 13 years. For the 8 years prior to her arrival at Portsmouth, she was at Hartlepool undergoing extensive restoration.
Two views along the side of the hull show one of her massive anchors and the gangplank that takes visitors aboard. Over 2.3 million people have visited HMS Warrior since she was restored and as such, much of the original refurbishment work is in need of refurbishment itself. This work includes the replacement of the upper deck, which has become somewhat worn from all the (welcome) tourists, an overhaul of all the rigging and possibly a spell in dry-dock to inspect and paint the hull.
As a result of all this necessary work, the Warrior Preservation Trust is always most appreciative of donations to help look after this, one of the most significant warships ever built.
A view from the exit gangplank down the port side. Note the gun ports – they have glazed windows. Note also the ornate decoration around the notch along the top rail. And here’s one of the very slender launches.
The name HMS Warrior was inherited from a distinguished third rate warship which had only recently been broken up. Unfortunately, HMS Warrior and her sister ship HMS Black Prince, although feared (and admired) by their enemies, were obsolete within a decade, such was the incredible acceleration of Naval design following their development and launch.
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