A brief History of Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth, England
Devonport Royal Dockyard (which is also called Her Majesty’s Naval Base) traditionally has been one of the main hubs of the British Royal Navy. The Dockyard was previously owned by DML, but is now managed by the Babcock Marine Division of Babcock International Group PLC. HMNB at Devonport has a long and interesting history attached to it and as a result has become a historical attraction for tourists to the region.
Devonport Dockyard was once one of the biggest naval bases in the country and Europe and comprises fifteen dry docks and twenty-five tidal berths. In the last 20 years though, the Dockyard has become less important with the dumbing down of the British Navy.
The naval presence of the English fleet in Plymouth began with the historic launching of 
English ships laden with gunpowder to counter the Spanish Armada in 1588. The English ships set sail through the River Plym under the instructions of Sir Francis Drake and helped to destroy the powerful Armada. As a result, the naval base at Plymouth was named the HMS Drake in honour of Sir Francis Drake.
When William III ascended the throne in 1689, he ordered the construction of a new dockyard outside of Plymouth and the area of Hamoaze was decided upon. Work towards the present Devonport Royal Dockyard began in the year 1690 and was designed to be stronger with a steady foundation, outfitted with steps on the sides to help sailors and metal workers to work on their ships.
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