Devonport Dockyard, located in the city of Plymouth in the county of Devon is the largest Royal Navy Dockyard and the largest naval base in Western Europe.
In 1676 Plymouth was visited by Charles II looking to select a new location for a naval dockyard. After considering Turnchapel on the river Plym he opted for Devonport due to its geographical advantages. Work began in 1691 and from then until the end of the Second World War the dockyards were the economical backbone of the city.
With 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront (6km), 25 tidal berths, five basins and an area of 650 acres (2.6km²) the Royal Navy Dockyard is the largest naval base in Britain the dockyard is the base for seven of the Trafalgar class nuclear powered hunter killer submarines and the main refitting base for all Royal Navy nuclear submarines. Currently work is underway to build refitting dock to support the Vanguard class Trident missile nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
Plymothians and tourists have long been able to visit the Dockyard during 'Navy Days', a three day event where visitors can tour the facility, go on active naval ships and watch various displays of naval prowess. Among the most popular attractions is the nuclear powered submarine HMS Courageous, used in the Falklands War.
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