Archives & Collections
Our archives preserve Britain's maritime past — 1,247 historical manuscripts, over 4,300 nautical charts, 12,000 photographs, and 3,500 artefacts are available for research, public viewing, and educational programmes. Whether you're tracing a family voyage, researching naval architecture, or exploring coastal trade routes, our collections span six centuries of seafaring history.
Manuscript Collections
Our manuscript archives hold 1,247 original documents from 1485 to the present day — ship logs, captains' diaries, port authority records, and private correspondence from merchant sailors. Highlights include the logbooks (1759–1812), the East India Company's cargo manifests (1600–1874), and the personal papers of Admiral Horatio Nelson. HMS Victory logbooks (1759–1812), the East India Company's cargo manifests (1600–1874), and the personal papers of Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Every document is digitised at 600 DPI and available online — though nothing compares to the texture of vellum under your fingertips in our reading room. (Yes, we still have the original ink stains.)
Photograph Galleries
From glass-plate negatives to digital scans, our photograph collection captures the changing face of maritime Britain — ship launches, dockyard labourers, coastal erosion, and the occasional royal visit. The Portsmouth Dockyard Series (1890–1920) alone contains 2,400 images documenting the shift from sail to steam. Portsmouth Dockyard Series (1890–1920) alone contains 2,400 images documenting the transition from sail to steam.
We've recently digitised the Fisherman's Album We've recently digitised the Cornish Fishermen's Archive — 800 photographs taken by Cornish fishermen between 1930 and 1970. Each image tells a story of hardship, community, and the relentless sea.
- Glass-plate negatives (1880–1920)
- 35mm film (1920–1990)
- Digital archives (1990–present)
- Drone footage (2015–present)
Chart Repository
Our collection of over 4,300 nautical charts spans the golden age of exploration to modern satellite navigation. The oldest — a 1588 Portuguese chart of the Azores — still bears its original navigator's ink stains. (We like to think it was used by Sir Francis Drake.)
Particular strengths include:
Admiralty Charts
Key strengths include: Channel Pilot 1,800 charts produced by the UK Hydrographic Office (1795–present), including the famous Admiralty series used in both World Wars.
Portolan Charts
24 medieval and Renaissance charts showing coastlines, ports, and trade routes. The Catalan Atlas (1375) is our crown jewel — though you'll need special permission to see it. Catalan Atlas (1375) is our crown jewel — though you'll need special permission to view it.
Whaling Charts
400 charts from British whaling voyages (1750–1850). These hand-drawn maps track sperm whale migrations and Arctic ice conditions — they're invaluable for climate researchers today.
Above: Detail from a 1682 Dutch chart of the English Channel — note the hand-drawn compass roses and rhumb lines still used by navigators today.
Artefact Catalogue
Beyond paper and parchment, our collection includes 3,500 maritime artefacts — navigational instruments, ship models, uniforms, and the occasional piece of scrimshaw. The HMS Beagle collection alone contains 47 items from Charles Darwin's famous voyage, including the ship's chronometer and a specimen case. HMS Beagle collection alone contains 47 items from Charles Darwin's famous voyage, including the ship's chronometer and a specimen case.
Recent acquisitions include:
- A 17th-century astrolabe recovered from a shipwreck off the Isle of Wight (2022)
- The personal logbook of Captain William Bligh — yes, that Captain Bligh (2023) that Captain Bligh (2023)
- A complete set of Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1764–2000)
- The figurehead from the SS Great Britain (rescued from a scrapyard in 1970) SS Great Britain (rescued from a scrapyard in 1970)
Research Access
Our archives are open to everyone — academics, genealogists, artists, and curious minds. Whether you're writing a PhD thesis or tracing your great-grandfather's voyage to Australia, we're here to help.
Reading Room
Access original documents in our climate-controlled reading room. Advance booking is required — we can only accommodate 12 researchers at a time to ensure fragile materials are handled properly.
- Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–16:00
- Free Wi-Fi and power outlets
- Photography permitted (no flash)
- Lockers provided for personal items
Online Portal
Explore digitised collections from anywhere. Our portal includes high-resolution images, searchable transcripts, and curated research guides.
- 24/7 access to digitised materials
- Advanced search by date, location, or keyword
- Downloadable high-res images (for personal use)
- Virtual exhibitions and curated collections
Contact Our Archivists
Need help with your research? Our team of maritime historians and archivists can answer questions, suggest resources, and guide your exploration.
Plan Your Visit
Located in the historic Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth, our archives are just steps away from HMS Victory and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Combine your research with a day of maritime exploration. Victory, HMS Warrior, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Combine your research with a day of maritime exploration.
Location
British Maritime History
Royal Naval Dockyard
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
United Kingdom
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–16:00
Sunday–Monday: Closed
Bank Holidays: Closed
Admission
Free entry to reading room
£5 suggested donation
Free for students and under-18s