"Portsmouth, Hampshire"

"Portsmouth Dockyard"

"Hampshire, a maritime county (including the Isle of Wight), in South of England; bounded north by Berks, east by Surrey and Sussex, south by the English Channel, and west by Wilts and Dorset; greatest length (exclusive of the Isle of Wight), north to south, 46 miles; greatest breadth, east to west, 46 miles; 1,037,764 acres, population, 593,470.   Hampshire is undulating, finely wooded, and fruitful.  Its coast line is very inregular, the principal indentation being Southampton Water.  From Surrey and Sussex, north-east to Wilts and Berks, two ranges of chalk hills, known as the North and South Downs, traverse the county.  In the west is the New Forest, and in the south-east are the Forests of Bere and Waltham Chase.  The Avon, Exe, Test, Itching, and Hamble are the chief rivers.  The county is noted for its agriculture, the wheat of Hampshire being especially prized.  Upon the Downs are reared large flocks of the variety of sheep known as "Hampshire Downs," or "short wools."  Pig breeding, and the curing of bacon, have long been large and lucrative branches of the county's industry.  The mineral resources are meagre; and, except in large coast towns, such as Portsmouth and Gosport, the manufactures also are unimportant.  The shipping, however, is very extensive. Hampshire comprises 38 hundreds, 12 liberties, 349 parishes, with parts of 3 others..."

Portsmouth naval base is at the heart of Portsmouth and has been an integral part of the city since 1194.  Constantly evolving to meet the needs of the Royal Navy, the naval base has developed from a 12th century port to what it is today.  Modern warships rub shoulders with historic ships; stores buildings use cutting-edge technology to supply the Fleet quickly and promptly.  The naval base has recently undertaken a major building programme of new jetties to improve the service offered to the Fleet and navies worldwide, but still maintains a proud link to its naval past.

Comment: This is a small Branch and data from the 1901 Census and/or RN records would provide the essential link with other branches. Any information about the family from visitors to this site would be welcomed.

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