The Royal Navy’s torpedo branch also known as the torpedo school, it was commissioned in April 1876.
HMS Vernon was named after the ship of the same name, which alongside HMS Ariadne and the lighter Florence Nightingale made up its floating base initially.
In 1923, post-World War One, it was moved into the Gunwharf site and became a ‘stone frigate’ – the name given to naval establishment on land.
It was integral in the D-Day preparations.
HMS Vernon continued as a naval base, specialising in mine warfare, but ceased to be an independent command on March 31, 1986. It was renamed HMS Nelson (Vernon site) and then later HMS Nelson (Gunwharf).
It briefly became the Headquarters for the Commandant General Royal Marines and continued to be used for training.
In April 1996, the various elements comprising the establishment were split up and moved to different commands.
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1. HMS Vernon makes way for Gunwharf Quays
Blake House at Gunwharf Quays, with a view from the upper penthouse level under construction, looking towards Portsmouth harbour entrance and the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. Picture: Michael Scaddan. 011686_0201 Photo: The News archive
2. HMS Vernon makes way for Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth before Gunwharf 9th March 1998.The Millenium site a it was known at the time, an overview looking south over the former HMS Vernon, Old Portsmouth and The Hard interchange at Portsea. Picture: Michael Scaddan 98/1265-1 Photo: The News archive
3. HMS Vernon makes way for Gunwharf Quays
HMS Vernon (now Gunwharf) The Harbour Railway Station and South Railway Jetty. Photo: The News archive
4. HMS Vernon makes way for Gunwharf Quays
HMS Vernon now Gunwharf QuaysAmazing to think that HMS Vernon was still in situ in the mid 1990s as seen in this picture sent in by Dave Roberts. Photo: The News archive