 18th-century gunpowder magazine within the museum | |
| Established | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Location | Gosport, Hampshire, England |
| Type | Museum |
| Website | www.explosion.org.uk |
The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower is situated in the former Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Priddy's Hard, in Gosport, Hampshire, England. It now forms part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.[1]
Exhibits: The museum's exhibits are a captivating blend of historical and modern naval armaments. From the Victorian RBL 20 pounder Armstrong gun, echoing the naval firepower of the 18th century, to the cutting-edge Sea Wolf missile system and 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun, visitors experience the evolution of naval warfare. The inclusion of post-war missile systems like the Exocet missile and launcher, as well as the Sea Dart missile, provides a comprehensive view of naval technology.
Comprehensive Coverage: One of the museum's notable features is its comprehensive coverage of naval warfare. It explores surface-to-surface, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and sub-surface weapon systems, offering insights into the complexities of naval strategies. Mines and torpedoes, crucial elements of maritime warfare, are also part of the museum's extensive collection.
Waterside Coffee Shop: Visitors can take a break and enjoy scenic views at the museum's waterside coffee shop. Overlooking the original 18th-century camber dock, this facility provides a unique and relaxing atmosphere for guests.
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower stands as a testament to naval history, housed within the former Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Priddy's Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, England. Established in 2001, this museum has evolved into an integral part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, offering an immersive journey through centuries of naval weaponry and technology.
Expansion Plans: The museum actively seeks expansion, particularly in the section dedicated to "Royal Navy Coastal Forces." This segment invites contributors to add depth and detail, enhancing the understanding of Coastal Forces' significant contributions to naval history. Interested individuals can actively participate in enriching this section with additional information, anecdotes, and historical perspectives.
Royal Navy Coastal Forces: A recent addition to the museum is the permanent exhibition gallery titled "The Night Hunters: the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War." Launched in 2021 and supported by the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, this gallery focuses on the crucial role of Royal Navy Coastal Forces during wartime. Noteworthy vessels on display include CMB 331, a 1941 55-foot Thornycroft coastal motor boat, and MTB 71, a 1940 60-foot Vosper motor torpedo boat.
The museum includes a wide variety of exhibits ranging from the 18th century to the present day. These range in size from small arms, to missiles and missile launching systems, as well as complete gun turrets. Exhibits range from the Victorian RBL 20 pounder Armstrong gun through to the Second World War QF 4 inch Mk XVI naval gun. Post-war missile systems include the Exocet missile and launcher and Sea Dart missile. Modern weapons are represented in the Sea Wolf missile system and 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun.
The weapons cover all aspects of naval warfare from surface to surface, air to surface, surface to air and sub-surface weapons systems, including mines and torpedoes.
The museum has a waterside coffee shop which looks out on to the original 18th-century camber dock.
Royal Navy Coastal Forces
The Night Hunters: the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War is a permanent exhibition gallery opened in 2021[2] and supported by Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, a registered charity.[3]
The display includes two historic preserved vessels:
- CMB 331 – a 1941 55-foot Thornycroft coastal motor boat
- MTB 71 – a 1940 60-foot Vosper motor torpedo boat
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