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“A must-see place”: Mayor’s seal of approval for Devonport Naval Base’s reopened museum
26 March 2025
Bells, cannon, badges, models, historic records, even a periscope.
All these historic naval items – and many more – can be seen as the largest naval museum in southwest England which has re-opened for the summer/tourist season.
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre celebrates the history of the Royal Navy in Plymouth back to the days of the age of sail.
Occupying two historic buildings (the old fire station and the former superintendent’s/pay office) its rich collection is spread over several themed galleries, all looked after by a team of two dozen volunteers who have spent the winter adding to and enhancing existing displays ready to welcome 2025’s visitors.
The first of those was Plymouth Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Tuohy who was given a private tour ahead of the heritage site opening today.
The centre is something of a hidden gem – such that the city’s Lord Mayor had never visited before… but is now very glad she did.
“It’s absolutely fascinating – I’ve always wanted to see the place and it is remarkable to get up close, touch the items and understand what Devonport means to so many,” she said.
“I’m amazed that people are not queuing up to see what’s on show. one of the reasons I wanted to come along to visit was because I was curious in the Naval Base’s story and what was on show. It is truly a must-see place in the city.”
The centre was closed for three years due to Covid, so 2025 is only the second summer season it has been open to the public post-pandemic.
The Lord Mayor was hosted by Peter Dunlop, who leads a team of 24 dedicated volunteers running the entire place, from looking after the galleries to back-room staff who love the challenges with researching, it’s a well-oiled team dedicated to their work, and are always keen for new volunteers.
“We hope that the public who see us get a true sense about what Devonport Naval Base brings to the city and has shown over many centuries what an asset Devonport is and has been for the defence of our country,” said Peter Dunlop, who leads the team of volunteers.
They not only are on hand to help explain the Devonport story, but also care for the exhibitions, log them and conduct research where possible.
“I’m a relative new boy compared to some of the other volunteers and every day I think we all are discovering something new. It’s a fascinating place to work and through the public’s generosity and some extraordinary donations recently we are discovering some amazing historical details.
“The biggest and most special one we’ve received so far is the entire archive of the HMS Gloucester Survivors Association, who have sadly now all departed, but got together and pooled all their diaries, letters, artifacts, and other items from their time on the WW2 cruiser before she was sunk in the Battle for Crete in 1941.
“So, we now have this well of untapped history to rediscover, it is so unique that Plymouth University send their student to us to help us document this unbelievable and rare resource. Every box we open is a new chapter in their fascinating story.”
The centre is open on Wednesdays from 10am until 3pm (last entry at 2.15pm), and the second Saturday of each month until the end of October. The entrance is in Vivid Approach, Off Granby Way, Devonport, PL1 4RW
Special guided tours can be arranged outside these hours for groups and associations by contacting [email protected]. Entry is free although donations are always welcome.
More details about the heritage centre at: https://devonportnhc.wordpress.com/