Portsmouth Naval Dockyard has been the centre for important events and visits from the likes of Admiral Lord Nelson to Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria. In the Second World War it became the workplace of 25,000 people including 3,000 women by 1943. Dockyard workers, naval personnel and Royalty created separated and interconnected communities throughout the war to serve their country. 

​In January and March 1941, extensive bombing targeted the dockyard and left the surrounding areas of Portsea, Old Portsmouth and Commercial Road in rubble or destroyed. Soon afterwards, Prime Minister Winston Churchill along with his wife Clementine, Harry Hopkins (representative for President Roosevelt), esteemed military personnel Admiral Sir William James, and Regional Commissioner Harry Butler formed a party which toured the destructive trail left by the Luftwaffe in Portsmouth. Arriving in Portsmouth Dockyard, they inspected warships and civil workers. 

​Similarly in 1944, during a royal visit to Portsmouth to further increase civilian morale, King George VI examined his navy within the dockyard. The visit demonstrates the importance royalty had on upholding and strengthening both civilian and military communities. 

​The Dockyard was not unfamiliar to visitors for recreational or diplomatic purposes in wartime either. HMS Victory’s historical significance made it a sought-after venue during visits to the Dockyard. Despite seeing no combat between 1939 and 1945, HMS Victory sustained war-inflicted damage caused by Luftwaffe bombing in 1941. In 1943, the dockyard received a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, addressing troops and dockworkers from a HMS Victory platform. 

​Although restoration onboard HMS Victory had been halted, in February 1944 the Chinese military were hosted aboard, led by General Yang Chieh and Sir Charles J C Little. In ummer 1945, the Chinese Navy returned to the Victory again, indicating the welcoming characteristics of the naval community in Portsmouth throughout the war. HMS Victory provided a welcoming backdrop throughout the war for military and worker needs. 

​The Naval Dockyard remains active, however it is separated by Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a visitor attraction that is open to the public.​