The Devonport Naval Heritage Centre (DHNC) has added a detailed model of the historic Number 1 Slipway Cover (originally Number 5 Building Slip) as a new exhibit.
It dates back to 1765 in Western Europe’s biggest naval base, Devonport Dockyard.
Lead volunteer Peter Dunlop of DHNC said, “The Number 5 slip was renamed in 1849, and its roof rests on 23 trussed wooden pillars, and the northern end extends to accommodate bowsprits.”
“The structure sits at the southern end of the Dockyard beside Mutton Cove, and nearby stands a replica figurehead of “King Billy” (William IV), with the original now at Plymouth’s The Box museum.”
‘The Brunning family of Turtley Corn Mill in Avonwick donated the exhibit, which was displayed at “The Bridge” at Mount Batten and now features in the DHNC’s collections in our “Age of Sail” gallery,’ said Mr Dunlop.
Number 1 slip is a Grade 2 listed monument, and its timber-framed cover was designed by Sir Robert Seppings around 1814 and was among the widest-span roofs of its era in Great Britain.
Award-winning model maker David Brown from Liskeard, Cornwall (noted for prior gold medal-winning naval models like HMS Warspite displayed at the centre), has donated a model of the USS Yorktown for auction. Proceeds will support the DHNC.
More of this story on the link: https://westwardshippingnews.com/auction-bid-for-uss-yorktown-model/
Fact File on DHNC:
- Open Wednesdays 10:00–15:00 (last entry 14:15) and the second Saturday of each month.
- Free entry (donations appreciated).
- FREE PARKING.
- Guided tours available; group visits by arrangement via email: enquiriesdnhc@gmail.com
- Run entirely by volunteers, with galleries covering the dockyard’s history from the Age of Sail onwards.
More details about the DNHC on their web portal: https://devonportnhc.wordpress.com/
