150 years ago (29 Dec 1860): Britain’s first iron-hulled warship, ‘HMS Warrior’, was launched in London

As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship, take your breath away.
Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day and had a profound effect on naval architecture. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent. Yet within a few years she was obsolete.
Restored and back at home in Portsmouth, Warrior now serves as museum, monument & visitor attraction and is open year round for you to experience for yourself.
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