19 stunning photos of Royal Navy’s mighty warship HMS Warrior

HMS Warrior and her sister ship HMS Black Prince were the first armour-plated, iron-hulled warships.

By Steve Deeks

Published 17th Sep 2020, 16:47 BST

Updated 12th Apr 2024, 13:45 BST

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Built between 1859 and 1861 for the Royal Navy, HMS Warrior was originally a 40-gun steam-powered armoured frigate.

She served as a stores and depot ship and in 1904 was assigned to the navy's torpedo training school. The ship was converted into an oil jetty in 1927 and was in that role until 1979.

SEE ALSO: 23 retro photos of Royal Navy vessel HMS Intrepid

After that she was donated by the navy to the Maritime Trust for restoration which took eight years. When this was finished she returned to Portsmouth as a museum ship and is based in the city’s historic dockyard, along with HMS Victory.

Listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, she has been based in Portsmouth since 1987. She is now one of our most photographed and visited ships.

SEE MORE: 25 historic photos of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory

Here are some historic photos from the life of HMS Warrior – what are your memories of the historic vessel?

Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.

A side on view of the armoured frigate, HMS Warrior, 1987. The News PP5391

1. Royal Navy ship HMS Warrior

A side on view of the armoured frigate, HMS Warrior, 1987. The News PP5391 Photo: The News archive

When Hilsea Moat was dredged back in the mid-1980's, a raft once used by HMS Warrior was found in the mud.

2. Royal Navy ship HMS Warrior

When Hilsea Moat was dredged back in the mid-1980's, a raft once used by HMS Warrior was found in the mud. Photo: The News archive

HMS Warrior entering Portsmouth Harbour in June 1987

3. Royal Navy ship HMS Warrior

HMS Warrior entering Portsmouth Harbour in June 1987 Photo: The News archive

HMS Warrior under sail and under steam

4. Royal Navy ship HMS Warrior

HMS Warrior under sail and under steam Photo: The News archive

Royal Navy HMS Victory Facebook Nelson

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