Collections

The Heritage Site is made up of the following historic buildings, galleries and exhibits:

- The Old Fire Station (1851): contains “The Age of Sail Gallery” which highlights the sailing navy and wooden shipbuilding in Devonport.
- The 18th Century Dockyard Superintendent’s and Pay Office: Contains the core of the Heritage Centre’s collection in 5 galleries:
  - - The Warspite Gallery: Outlines the transition of naval ships from wood to steel and sail to steam. It includes the story of the battleship HMS Warspite, which was built in Devonport between 1913 – 15. The highlight of the galley is an intricate 3 metre long model showing the ship as she appeared at the Battle of Jutland in 1916.
    - The Devonport Gallery: Explores the Dockyard, the Royal Navy and the local area through 2 World Wars, highlighting the clash of the Battlefleets at the Battle of Jutland.
    - The Courageous Gallery: Concentrates on the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service and the retired Cold War submarine, HMS Courageous. The highlight of this gallery is a hands on, fully operational, submarine periscope, giving a clear view of ships going about their business in the Hamoaze.
- Victualling Through the Ages: Explores supplying the Fleet with food and drink, including Rum! It also highlights the the importance of the Royal William Victualling Yard(1835-1992). This gallery also exhibits china and tableware from the Royal Yacht, Victoria and Albert.
Uniform Through the Ages: This gallery houses a comprehensive collection of naval uniforms from Admiral to Able Seaman and Wren and not forgetting the Royal Marines. The gallery also includes medals, ceremonial swords and a collection of size 17 sailor’s footware!
The Post War Model Ships Gallery: Housed at the rear of the reception area and cafe, this gallery houses an unrivalled collection of detailed models of post war RN ships including aircraft carriers, cruisers destroyers and frigates.
Devonport 200 Temporary Exhibition: A temporary exhibition to celebrate 200 years of Devonport. Display includes the expansion of the Dockyard in the 19th Century, Devonport Characters, the 1941 Bombing Blitz and the story of HMS Gloucester and her crew – the “Fighting G”, a Devonport built and manned cruiser, earning 5 battles honours in 2 years before she was sunk off Crete in 1941.