56. HMS St Vincent Association Museum and Tour

Post published:January 5, 2025
Post category:- Saturday 13 Sept / - Saturday 20 Sept / - Sunday 14 Sept / - Sunday 21 Sept / 2025 Events / Accessible Parking on site or nearby / Family Friendly / Guided Walk or Tour / Illustrated Talk / In person events / Mobility Impaired / No booking / Parking on site or nearby / Service Dogs Welcome / Toilets accessible on site or nearby / Toilets on Site or Nearby / Wheelchair accessible

IN PERSON

Guided Tour

Show / Display

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

HMS St Vincent Association Museum meet and greet, Site Tour and light hearted interactive PowerPoint presentation.

HMS St Vincent, a training establishment where ‘Boys’ joined the Royal Navy. On site at what is now St Vincent’s College, the ‘Old Boys’ have a small but fascinating museum to explore! It is opening especially for HODs.

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; they 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 well-being 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.

In addition to exploring 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!!

Duration Approx. 120 mins