Portland Harbour Collection

Storm waves at Chesil Beach
Storm waves breaking on Chesil Beach, also known as, Chesil Bank, near Chiswell. This protects Weymouth and Portland Harbour from Atlantic storms driving up the English Channel

Right quarter detail of engraving of Portland Harbour, 19th century (engraving)
3522376 Right quarter detail of engraving of Portland Harbour, 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Right quarter detail of engraving of Portland Harbour. Dated 1853); Universal History Archive/UIG

The Naval Mobilisation, "B"Squadron at Portland Roads, 1888. Creator: William Lionel Wyllie
The Naval Mobilisation, " B" Squadron at Portland Roads, 1888. From, The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume38. July to December, 1888

The Fleet of Ironclads at Portland Harbour (engraving)
1588852 The Fleet of Ironclads at Portland Harbour (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Fleet of Ironclads at Portland Harbour)

The Great Eastern leaving Portland Harbour with the British Indian Submarine Telegraph Cable (engraving)
1104348 The Great Eastern leaving Portland Harbour with the British Indian Submarine Telegraph Cable (engraving) by Weedon

HMS Bacchante leaving Portland Harbour with the Sons of the Prince of Wales (engraving)
1099786 HMS Bacchante leaving Portland Harbour with the Sons of the Prince of Wales (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Proposed Breakwater at Portland, 1844. Creator: Unknown
The Proposed Breakwater at Portland, 1844. Shipping off the coast near the Isle of Portland, Dorset. The Harbour of Refuge Commissioners having just completed a careful survey of Weymouth Bay

Portland Harbor, and Islands, 1874. Creator: Frederick William Quartley
Portland Harbor, and Islands, 1874. The Atlantic coast at Portland, Maine, USA: Evergreen Landing, White Head, Portland Head Light

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Portland Harbour: A Historic and Natural Marvel of Dorset, England Amidst the rugged beauty of Dorset's Jurassic Coast lies Portland Harbour, a natural deep-water harbour renowned for its rich maritime history. From the stormy waves crashing against Chesil Beach, to the tranquil waters of the harbour, this area has long been a focal point for sailors and naval forces. The Naval Mobilisation of 1888 saw Portland Roads play host to the "B" Squadron, with the harbour's calm waters providing an ideal training ground for the fleet. This historic moment was captured by William Lionel Wyllie in his painting, "The Naval Mobilisation, Portland Roads, 1888." The harbour's significance extends beyond military history. In 1872, the Great Eastern, the largest ship in the world at the time, left Portland Harbour with the British Indian Submarine Telegraph Cable on board, marking a major milestone in communication technology. The harbour's strategic location also made it a key departure point for royal voyages. In 1863, HMS Bacchante left Portland Harbour with the Sons of the Prince of Wales on board, marking the beginning of their journey to Australia. The proposed breakwater at Portland, as depicted in this 1844 engraving, was a testament to the harbour's importance as a shipping hub. And in 1874, Frederick William Quartley captured the harbour and its islands in all their splendour in his painting, "Portland Harbor, and Islands." Despite the passage of time, the stormy waves at Chesil Beach continue to remind us of the power of nature, while the calm waters stand as a testament to its enduring significance in maritime history.