HMS St Vincent Association Museum and Tour (Event from 2021)

Post published:January 5, 2025
Post category:Past Events

IN PERSON

Guided Tour

Show / Display

St Vincent College, Forton Road Entrance, Gosport, PO12 4QA

HMS St. Vincent, a training establishment where ‘Boys’ joined the Royal Navy. Now the site of St Vincents College, the ‘Old Boys’ have a small but fascinating museum for all to explore!

The establishment was built in the early 1800s and was originally the home of the Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) until 1925 when they went to new barracks in Eastney. In 1927 it became HMS St. Vincent, a ‘stone frigate’ where Boys could be educated and trained prior to joining the fleet.

Boys joined the Royal Navy at 15 years of age and were subject to strict Naval discipline. Whilst it was a tough regime, it was also extremely fair and rewarding. They went to school and took exams; were taught all about the Royal Navy and learnt Seamanship (even if they were not seamen). They were fit and healthy and played lots of different sports too. Their wellbeing was paramount to the staff.

Corporal punishment was still used at that time and, should any boys veer off course, it was used to bring them back to reality! However, only a few were awarded this type of punishment, so it was quite rare.

As well as exploring all the photos and artefacts in the Museum, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of what remains of the establishment with an ‘Old Boy’ who will point out grade II listed buildings and explain their former uses. This is both informative and amusing!!

Allow approx 60 mins