Show / Display
Royal Clarence Yard, Weevil Lane, PO12 1FY
Royal Clarence Yard (founded 1827) is one of only two surviving former Naval Victualling Yards. It was the larder of the Navy and supplied ‘Jolly Jack Tar’ with his rum and rations for well over 100 years. It housed a cooperage, a brewery, a slaughterhouse and the largest bakery in England, possibly even the World!
In 1944, Royal Clarence Yard shipped supplies, including over 33,000lbs of bread each week, for the thousands of troops anchored at Spithead waiting for the go ahead for D-Day. The yard was also involved in victualling operations for the Falklands conflict in 1982. Finally it was sold for development in 1991.
By special permission of Berkeley Homes, the old Bakery (which at its peak was capable of producing 10,000 ships’ biscuits an hour) and the former Slaughterhouse will be open to view. The Bakery will include an exhibit on the history of Royal Clarence Yard. There will be other activities and displays to interest people of all ages.
OPENING TIMES
Please note that this an Event from 2015
The Yard and Waterfront will play host to a number of other great events over Gosport Heritage Open Days. Guided tours and vintage vehicles to name just a couple. These will be listed separately.
No Booking Needed
ACCESS
Reasonably flat area with dipped kerbs to pavements. Level access in to The Bakery. Much of this area is now residential so please stay within designated walkways and parking areas.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This year, Heritage Open Days is partnering with the RIBA’s Love Architecture programme with the theme Engaging people with the story of buildings – past, present and future. As part of this programme there will be an information board displayed in The Bakery about the architecture of Royal Clarence Yard.
MAP/DIRECTIONS (approximate)
Turn off Mumby Road at traffic lights and right into Cooperage Green where you will see The Pump House Cafe. Free parking in this area is for up to 4hrs. Walk through to waterfront to find The Bakery and The Slaughterhouse.
