2-913-977 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fitting out "The Caesar", between decks, at Portsmouth, 1854. British warship being prepared for service in the Crimean War. Among the '...mighty preparations for the coming struggle was the fitting of the Caesar (Capt. Robb)...new screw-ship, at our great naval arsenal, Portsmouth...Her hull is of wood, and she is fitted with Messrs. John Penn and Son's patent engines...The time occupied in the fitting was five weeks; the greatest number of men at work, at any one time, was 300, working from seven in the morning until nine at night...[seen here is] the labour of fitting her between decks by candle-light...this fine new heavily-armed ship left Portsmouth, to augment the [Royal Navy] fleet under Admiral Napier'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.