2-982-069 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New Docks and Basin, Portsmouth, 1876. Dockyard extension comprising '...a fitting and a repairing basin...a deep graving-dock...locks...[and] an extensive coal-store...when [the works] are completed the Portsmouth yard will be considerably more than double its original size...The repairing basin...is the most capacious and important of all the works...The walls of the basins are remarkably strong, the lower part being composed of concrete, lined with brickwork, and the upper part with Portland stone, bound or coped with granite...The works have engaged the services of from 1500 to 1600 workmen, 800 convicts, and ninety-four steam-engines, steam-cranes, and steam-hoists...The total estimated cost of the extension scheme is £2,350,000...When the various works are completed Portsmouth will possess the largest and finest naval dockyard in the world. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.