Second only to that of Portsmouth, Plymouth’s naval importance is well-documented throughout history. The dockyard was commissioned during the reign of Edward the First in 1693, when a base was needed from where to conduct the French wars.
Devonport dockyard is situated on "Hamoaze," the part of the River Tamar that flows to the west of Plymouth.
It gradually increased in size over the years, with the initial South Yard occupying 54 acres. The Morice Yard was added to provide ordnance, powder, and bullets for the fleet, and in 1844, the Steam Yard was commissioned.
By 1700, the new town that had grown up alongside the yards broke away from the embrace of neighbouring Plymouth to become Devonport, a town in its own right, supplying in its heyday 40,000 workers to the dockyard.
Today, it is the largest naval dockyard complex in Europe, and many of the U.K.’s fighting ships are stationed here, including frigates, destroyers, and helicopter assault ships, plus the all-important Fleet Auxiliary, whose vessels play a vital role in replenishing supplies to the fighting ships at sea.
Once a year, Devonport opens its gates to the outside world and hosts the annual Navy Day. Several foreign navies usually participate, including more recently the Soviet Navy since the end of the Cold War. Entente Cordiale now seems to be order of the day.
The best view of the dockyard can be had from the Torpoint Ferry that crosses the Tamar to the south of the main dock complex, and it is usually possible to see several ships berthed at any time.