devonport naval base tours

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Naval Base Tours - Devonport

• a Ship visit & Naval Base tour
• Submarine visit and Naval Base tour
• or for organized groups only an Historic Naval Base Heritage tour complete with Plymouth Naval Base Museum visit.

Navy Days 2009

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Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

The Devonport Naval Heritage Site and Visitor Centre records the development of The Dockyard and Plymouth's pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two World Wars. Through its collections, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation the drama of the close relationship of Devonport, the Royal Navy, The Dockyard and the people of Plymouth can be explored.

It is open by appointment to groups of visitors in the historic South Yard. Join with us in sharing, exploring and conserving the character and history of Devonport Naval Base and The Dockyard for the future. As well as tours by appointment, Public Open Days are held at various times throughout the year and there are regular public visit sessions during the summer months.

Please visit the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre website for more information, email [email protected]  or call 01752 552326.

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Naval Base Heritage Museum

The Royal Navy’s base at Plymouth, where the Rivers Tamar, Tavy, Lynher and Plym enter the English Channel, was established in the late 17th century, and re-named Devonport in 1823. The museum has evolved through several stages since the Second World War as the dockyard has contracted. Its headquarters is now the 3-storey pay office building of 1775, where several of the interior strong room doors remain. Displays illustrate the history of the dockyard, with boats, tools, figureheads, uniforms and sailors’ kit, and there is a large collection of ship models, principally of the 20th century. Tours of the dockyard take visitors to 15 storehouses, ship-building slips and others structures of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Royal Navy also organises tours of the working dockyard, by advanced notice for those with appropriate identification.    In another part of Plymouth, the Royal William Victualling Yard, designed by Sir John Rennie (1794-1874) and built between 1824 and 1835, provided the ships of the Royal Navy with food for more than 150 years until its closure in 1992. Most of the surviving buildings are listed Grade I by English heritage. The ships’ biscuit bakery, the brewery, the abattoir and other buildings have been adapted as galleries, apartments and restaurants that can easily be visited. There is access by ferry from the Barbican in central Plymouth.

Naval Base Heritage Museum Devonport Naval Base Spinnaker Gate Granby Way PL1 4HG Plymouth United Kingdom +44 (0) 1752 - 552326 Homepage

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HMS Courageous

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**Please note: the decommisioned submarine ‘Courageous’ is closed to the general public until further notice**

HMS Courageous (1971-1992) (Decomissioned Nuclear Submarine)

Visit a 285ft (87m) long, 4300 ton, Churchill class, decomissioned nuclear submarine, the only exhibit of its kind in the UK.

**Please note: the decommisioned submarine ‘Courageous’ is closed to the general public until further notice** Please be aware that when booking with HMS Courageous we are unable to take bookings with visitors less than 4 people. If your group has less than 4 members we may be able to add you to a larger tour group – please contact us for more information. We cannot guarantee the booking of smaller groups.

HMS Courageous provides a fascinating glimpse into the operational world of the ‘Silent Service’. Please view our short introductory video:

A short video containing essential Health and Safety information must be viewed prior to your arranged visit here:

Supporting information can be found on the Courageous Association website at:  http://www.hmscourageous.co.uk/html/the_boat.html

The Control Room

Senior Rates Mess

Fore-ends Lower Level

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Welcome to the NZDF website

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Ngā mihi nui

Devonport Naval Base

The Auckland suburb of Devonport is the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The base, situated at the southern end of the Devonport peninsula and facing the Auckland CBD across Waitematā Harbour, is a significant feature of the North Shore community. Learn what makes Devonport Naval Base our home.

An aerial view of Devonport Naval Base on a nice day with a few clouds

Devonport Naval Base includes several sites. The main base consists of the waterside South Yard where the fleet is based, and where much of the fleet services and administrative functions take place; and the North Yard, on Ngataringa Bay, with training classrooms, trainee accommodation, research facilities, and supply depots.

A separate facility, located in the nearby Narrow Neck suburb, houses the Officer Training School and other training establishments. Further afield, the Tamaki Leadership Centre is situated at the end of Whangaparāoa Peninsula, an hour north of Auckland; and Kauri Point, an ammunition facility, is located a short distance west of Devonport. The main base totals 40 ha and hosts around 2,500 NZDF and RNZN personnel.

Devonport Naval Base map

Devonport naval base map pdf 980 kb, facilities and amenities, te taua moana marae.

Te Taua Moana is one of the first things our recruits encounter after “signing on the line” during their attestation into Navy service.

The sailors and officers head over to the foreshore of Ngau Te Ringaringa Bay (Ngataringa) and assemble, as manuhiri, at Te Waharoa, Tangaroa, the gateway in front of the wharenui, Te Whetu Moana. After their pōwhiri, our trainees can consider Te Taua Moana their marae.

The pōwhiri at Te Taua Moana is also an inherent part of welcoming visitors to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Dignitaries, Heads of State, service chiefs and ship crews from across the world have passed through Te Waharoa and met Te Wero Pōwhiri, the challenge.

The late Māori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikāhu, opened the marae on 15 April, 2000.

Vince McGlone Galley

Situated near the entrance of the base, the substantial all-ranks galley is our main catering establishment for our sailors, officers and civilian personnel. Our galley can seat over 100 people, with the kitchen providing a professional working space for experienced Navy chefs on our base.

Three meals are provided throughout the day, with a selection of options for dietary requirements. From salads, cereals and fruit, to cooked meat and more, there’s something for everyone.

From our newest recruits, to our most senior officers - all are welcome to dine here. The galley serves as an area for our personnel to come together to dine in a relaxed and respectful environment.

Vincent McGlone was one of the last surviving New Zealand naval veterans of the Battle of the River Plate. Our galley is named in his honour.

Additional eating facilities are located at the officer’s Wardroom, the South Yard training establishments, Narrow Neck and the Tamaki Leadership Centre. In addition, all camps and bases have ‘Hot Shots’ cafes for personnel to purchase café-style drinks and snacks.

Our ships berth at a variety of wharves to load and unload supplies and personnel. The wharfside facility is capable of berthing our entire fleet, with a recent extension in 2020 to accommodate our largest vessel, HMNZS Aotearoa.

Calliope Drydock

The dry dock at Devonport Naval Base is used for regular maintenance and upgrading of our naval vessels, and – as New Zealand’s largest dry dock facility – is frequently contracted out to commercial and foreign naval vessels.

Once a vessel is in place, the dry dock is drained of water - exposing the underwater parts for inspection and repair. After required work is complete, the dry dock is then flooded, enabling the vessel to return to sea.

Babcock International Ltd operate New Zealand’s largest marine engineering and maintenance facility at Devonport Naval Base, which includes the dry dock. Babcock is contracted to provide engineering support services across our naval fleet.

The dry dock, along with the pump house, are two of the oldest and most significant maritime-related structures in New Zealand. Its construction was one of the largest and most difficult engineering works undertaken in New Zealand during the 19th century.

Learn more about the Calliope Drydock   (external link) . 

Parade Grounds

Our largest parade ground is at the North Yard training facilities.

The parade grounds are a key aspect of our Base, providing an area where our personnel can march, practice drill, and undertake other activities.

Parade grounds are the main area where our graduations take place - an exciting and memorable time for our personnel and their loved ones.

As well as traditional classroom and workshop learning, Devonport Naval Base boasts substantial simulator training facilities, with bridge simulators that mimic the design of various vessels. Virtual reality is utilised in training our engineering students.

The base’s Seamanship Training Aid Facility, constructed in 2016, provides a mock-up of a ship’s upper deck for sailors to perfect their seamanship in a controlled environment. In 2018 the base introduced a floating dock where personnel can safely practise over-water skills such as boat launching, man overboard exercises and linework.

Devonport Naval Base’s origins date back to 1841, when Lieutenant Governor and naval captain William Hobson founded New Zealand’s capital Auckland shortly after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. He quickly assessed the merits of Waitematā Harbour and took charge of a growing naval facility at the Sandspit on the North Shore. The Naval Base later shifted west towards its current position at Stanley Point.

The Naval Base has a ship’s name, HMNZS Philomel, after the first ship – a Pearl-class cruiser – commissioned into New Zealand Naval Forces in 1914. Philomel eventually became a non-seagoing training ship for generations of new entrants, with her engines removed to make room for classrooms. When she decommissioned in 1946, her name was transferred to the base.

Future works

The base has a rich history, having been there since 1841. Some of its old buildings are not in good condition. Prefabs that were put in place temporarily have now been there for some time. Buildings need modernising, within the confines of a limited footprint.

Scattered functions across the base also present a challenge for designers and planners. They have to be creative when land area is limited. The answer may be intensifying for more efficient use of the existing land area by going 3-5 storeys high.

All new buildings will aim for high sustainability ratings to improve energy use.

Project work underway on the Devonport Estate during 2021/22 includes electrical safety improvements and an upgrade of the catering school.

A lighting upgrade of the tunnel between North and South yards and other lighting upgrades has improved safety. Refurbishment of South Yard Facilities is also being carried out.

General enquiries: 09 445 5999

Media enquiries: 021 487 980

Considering a career in the Navy?

Together we protect New Zealand’s interests at sea. Our Navy carries out a range of tasks including combat operations, search and rescue, underwater recovery, trade protection and peacekeeping. Whatever the mission, you’ll find that there’s a real tight-knit camaraderie whether you’re at sea, at home or abroad.

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• Details about Auckland walkways, paths, trails and tracks

Devonport to Navy Base Path

Walking time 15 mins

Walking steps 1300 steps

Distance 1000 m

Devonport Navy Base Path - Victoria Road to Takarunga / Mount Victoria

Devonport Navy Base Path - View east along waterfront to Maungauika/North Head

Devonport Navy Base Path - Devonport Wharf

Devonport Navy Base Path - Typical section of path and seated areas

Devonport Navy Base Path - Path running alongside Waitemata Harbour

Devonport Navy Base Path - Boat storage

Devonport Navy Base Path - Views over the Naval Base

Devonport Navy Base Path - Military guns outside the naval base.

Show path map

Starts at 1 Queens Parade, Devonport

Get directions on Google Maps

About the path

An easy, flat stroll along the Waitematā Harbour in charming Devonport.

This short walk takes you from the Devonport Ferry Building to the Devonport Naval Base, home of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Devonport has a proud military history and has been a naval base since 1841.

This gentle walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. It's also a fun way to pass the time if you're waiting for the ferry.

Start at the ferry building and follow the waterfront path along Queens Parade. The route offers uninterrupted views of the Waitematā Harbour, Auckland city skyline and port. Admire the historic character homes which sit proudly on Queens Parade.

At the turnaround point at the Naval Base entry, you might catch a glimpse of the naval frigates.

On your return, stroll out to the end of Devonport Wharf to take in more great views and the harbour breeze.

If you're interested in military history, check out the Navy Museum which celebrates Devonport's maritime roots. To reach the museum, follow the flat Devonport to Torpedo Bay Path from the ferry building.

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Devonport to stanley bay path.

Walking 40 mins

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Distance 3 km

Ōmana Lookout Track

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Queens parade reserve.

Connect with nature and enjoy open space in one of over 4000 parks in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

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Devonport Dockyard

Written by godfrey dykes, © rn communications branch museum/library, animation of devonport dockyard map, next comes the stonehouse establishments, then click on this thumbnail to see the geographical position of devonport and to reveal other naval establishments.,   you will at this stage have deduced that devonport dockyard was split into two yards, north and south, as indeed the town of devonport was split. the vast majority of those on the books of the guzz depot would have been fully familiar with northern devonport [they would have been familiar with both yards of course], for here were the three main dockyard gates used by the navy [viz drake gate, albert and st levan's]; hms drake which accommodated most of the personnel serving in the west country; the civilian railway station [keyham more or less outside the main gate to hms drake] although there was the main devonport station in albert road just above where aggie weston's used to be, and without doubt, the finest oggie shops imaginable, not to mention a few good pubs. the dockyard had its own railway system and one moved between yards on these trains. a lesser number of personnel would have been familiar with south devonport even though they passed it whilst walking/riding from devonport over the stonehouse bridge to union street where most of the sailors did their serious drinking and socialising. the north devonport area and the north yard is now [in the 21st century] what most people associate to be devonport dockyard and in a moment my story will turn wholly to the southern areas, town and dockyard. but first, a map of south devonport namely that area outlined in a heavy black line., main part of south yard, goodbye to south yard gates, the year is 2007, fore st gates, granby dockyard wall, the old mount wise steps., king william heights., mount wise view, new housing in south yard, old cannon & cornwall streets, part of south yard, new life at south yard, south yard and towers, south yard before it was demolished, south yard gate granby green, tower blocks, devonport environs, torpoint ferry, devonport gun , an excellent view, lovely devonport, scott memorial, war memorial., lovely devonport., the devonport wall.,   more about the south yard. the historic south yard has seen the development of a heritage area that is regularly opened up to the public on set open weekends throughout the year. the south yard ropery, covered slip, hangman's cell, royal naval field gun museum, naval base museum and firefighting exhibition have all proved to be a big draw for visitors who can also tour the base by coach and learn about its fascinating history and status today as a leading mod establishment.,   tours of her majesty's naval base devonport are currently operated as a joint venture between the royal navy and babcock. there will be two tours a day commencing at 1000 and 1300 operating from monday to thursday. it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. once your tour is confirmed, details of the location of the reception centre will be forwarded to you. this is the embarkation point for the tour of your choice.,   and how did it all start well these two pictures will help tell that story.,   a choice of tours is offered however, due to operational constraints, your choice cannot be guaranteed. tours available include a ship visit & naval base windscreen tour, submarine visit and naval base windscreen tour or for organized groups only an historic naval base heritage tour complete with plymouth naval base museum visit. for more details and tour availability call 01752 552326., see also these pages, a tour of pompey dockyard    where has it all gone    naval cuts 1958, pompey dockyard a bird's eye view    --> chatham dockyard    the plymouth command    why is it called pompey.

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• Ships New Zealand’s naval ships have undertaken a range of tasks and operations. Read about ‘HMNZS Gambia’ – the ship known to have fired the last shots of WWII and ‘HMHS Maheno ‘– a hospital ship that carried injured men back home to New Zealand in WWI.
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• Oral Histories The Oral History Project commenced in 1991 as part of the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The oral histories include veterans’ memories from as early as WW1 and include personal stories of naval personnel recently returned from duties in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, East Timor and the Sinai. Oral history is an important method of collecting unique and personal recollections – historical evidence that might otherwise be lost forever. The recorded and transcribed interviews help to create a fuller understanding of our past. These testimonials provide a unique insight into the naval life of men and women during war and peace. The recounting of the testimony can be emotional for an interviewee who may never have discussed the details of his or her experiences with anyone before. The Museum takes great responsibility in handling these unlocked memories.
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• Customs & Traditions The Navy is steeped in customs and tradition and these play an important role in Navy life today. Find out what naval terms like “Splice the Mainbrace” mean and read about Mascots in the Navy – including HMS New Zealand’s mascot- a bulldog named Pelorus Jack
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• What’s On
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• Technology & weapons The Royal New Zealand Navy has a long history of technology and weaponry including radar, torpedoes and minesweeping. Read about the history of NZ Coastal Defences and Enemy Operations in NZ Waters.
• Customs & Traditions The Navy is steeped in customs and tradition and these play an important role in Navy life today. Find out what naval terms like “Splice the Mainbrace” mean and read about Mascots in the Navy – including HMS New Zealand’s mascot- a bulldog named Pelorus Jack

Your big day out in Devonport: so much to see and do

Devonport has always been a popular destination for my family. There are so many things to see and do; there’s literally something for all ages. It’s the perfect place for a fun, interesting and economical Auckland day out.

The seaside suburb, located on the North Shore is only a ten-minute ferry ride from the heart of the city (or a thirty-minute drive if you’d prefer to go by car) – yet the historic sites and architecture, boutique shops, treelined beaches, picturesque parks, bush-clad reserves, and charming ambience make it feel like a world away.

You can easily fill in half a day (making a full day of it wouldn’t be too hard either). With so many things to do, how you do it is up to you. Here’s a list to help you plan your visit.

Take a ferry ride from Auckland city

Your big day out in Devonport: so much to see and do Getting to Devonport is part of the fun when you travel there by ferry. It’s only a ten minute trip from the Fullers terminal in downtown Auckland, but that picturesque voyage across the harbour makes you really feel like you’re leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city behind. Once you arrive at the Devonport Ferry Terminal, make a beeline for the Visitor Information Caravan (it’s in the terminal itself so you can’t miss it), where Devonport locals will answer any questions, provide insider tips to make your trip even more memorable, and provide lots of useful information about sights and activities.

Check the Fullers site for Ferry timetables. The Information Caravan is open 10am to 2pm daily.

Check out the shops and eateries on Victoria Road

Quick history lesson: Thanks to a ferry link being created between Devonport and Auckland city in the 1860s, Victoria Road grew to become the leading commercial centre of the North Shore. By the 1920s the western side of the road was lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian era commercial premises. 

Walk along Victoria Road today and you’ll see many of those buildings still there, restored to their former glory. They’re home to specialty shops you won’t find anywhere else in Auckland. There are craft shops and art galleries too. Plus for food and snack lovers, there’s a huge range of cafes, restaurants and eateries to satisfy any palette. Sit down and grab a bite before heading off to the sites, or stock up your hamper for a picnic in the park (or by the beach, or on a hill…) Return at the end of your big day out and have a relaxing meal before catching the ferry home. It’s all within a five minute stroll of the terminal.

Watch chocolates being made and indulge your sweet tooth at our chocolate factory

A day in Devonport isn’t complete for our kids without a trip to Devonport Chocolates (okay, confession time, we used to go there regularly before we even had kids). Located just behind the shops on Victoria Road, Devonport Chocolates gives you the chance to watch chocolatiers make their delicious confectionary by hand. And of course, there’s a wide range of chocolates and truffles for sale in the shop – perfect for gifts or to treat yourself.

The shop and small factory can be found on Wynyard Street. It’s open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s closed on Anzac Day, Christmas Day and some other public holidays.

Explore the forts and tunnels at Maungauika/North Head

Kids of all ages will love exploring the gun emplacements (including a “disappearing gun”), old military buildings and the maze of tunnels at the Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve, which can be accessed from  Takarunga Road. The forts were originally built in the 1880s to ward off a potential Russian invasion (which of course, never happened). Buildings, emplacements and guns were added over the years. Thankfully they never saw any action. Today, the Reserve allows you to literally get into the thick of history – with some stunning scenery and sunny picnic spots as a bonus. 

There’s a free 20 minute movie continually playing in the old stone kitchen that tells you all about the history of the area. You can follow tracks down to Cheltenham Beach for a paddle or to explore the rock pools – and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (where you can find out even more about the area) is only a ten minute stroll. There’s plenty of free parking at the bottom or top of the hill. The vehicle gate is open in Summer from 6am – 8pm, and in Winter from 7am – 7pm. The pedestrian gate is open from 6am – 10pm in Summer and 7am – 8.30pm in Winter.

Learn about our naval heritage at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

My kids and I love making a package tour of Maungauika/North Head and the museum, visiting the tunnels and getting a bit of exercise, then walking down to the museum to look at all the amazing displays in air-conditioned comfort. There’s plenty of free parking both on-site and on the street if you’d prefer to drive.

Entry to the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport is free for New Zealand residents (international visitors aged 18 and over pay just $10). Interactive displays and activities bring our naval heritage to life in a dramatic and emotive way. You’ll hear from veterans as they tell stories of endurance, courage, commitment and comradeship. 

The museum also runs fun activities in the school holidays. They’re a great way to keep the kids entertained, and provide them with some useful knowledge along the way. 

You can drive, catch a bus (the 807 bus from the Devonport Ferry Terminal) or take an easy 15 minute saunter along the boulevard from the Devonport town centre. There’s a café that serves beverages, snacks and light meals (including a great children’s menu), and a funky playground for the kids.

The museum is fully accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. It’s open 10am to 5pm seven days a week (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday).

Catch a movie at The Vic Vintage Theatre and Cinema

The Vic is more than just a movie theatre – it’s the oldest purpose-built cinema still standing in the Southern Hemisphere, dating way back to 1912 when blockbusters had such titles as The Eternal Mother and The Belle of Bar-Z Ranch. 

This beautifully restored theatre is a much-loved community icon and popular with visitors who want to turn a night at the movies into a real night out. It operates as a live venue, cinema and bar and is home of the legendary Devonport Gelato (you don’t even need to watch a movie to have one).

Movies range from the latest blockbusters to arthouse and classics from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and more (and Cheap Tuesdays make the whole experience much more affordable). Speaking on affordable, The Vic and Fullers have teamed up to offer Ferry and Movie passes for $19 an adult or $12 a child!

There’s wheelchair access into the main foyer and Cinema 1.

As its name suggests, you’ll find The Vic on Victoria Road.

Walk to the summit of Takarunga/Mt Victoria

Here’s a handy way to burn off the delicious snack’s you’ll have indulged in while walking along Victoria Road. It’s just a ten to twenty minute uphill walk to the highest point in Devonport. This extinct volcano offers 360 degree views of the city and harbour – and a fascinating glimpse of the area’s past. It was once used by the Māori as a pa with its strong defensive position. More recently (well, if you call the late nineteenth century recent) it formed part of the defences against the threat of Russian invasion. You’ll still find some bunkers and a gun emplacement here along with remnants of the Kawerau tribe fortifications.

If you don’t fancy the walk, you can also drive up the hill. The entrance is off Kerr Street.

Take it easy on Cheltenham Beach

Devonport has a number of small sandy beaches along the boulevard facing Auckland city, as well as parks and playgrounds galore. But to enjoy a really classic Kiwi beach experience, take a fifteen minute stroll to Cheltenham Beach. There’s a lovely tree lined park with swings, a seesaw, and plenty of shade (and yes, there are rest rooms which are handy if you’re planning on staying a while). 

The long, gently curving, sandy beach is calm and shallow – great for a safe swim. There are takeaways nearby if you fancy fish and chips at the beach (which, strangely enough, my kids always do).

There are a few roads that provide access to the beach – the main one being Cheltenham Road. 

A group of islands that used to be part of Papua New Guinea . It is now the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

An award given to people in the military . This could be for bravery in a war, for long service or for being part of an operation.  

A label given to Royal New Zealand Navy Ships. It stands for Her/His Majesty’s New Zealand Ship.  

People in the Navy are graded according to the level of responsibility they have. These are called ranks.  

A label given to Royal Navy ships. It stands for Her/His Majesty’s Ship.  

A visual design, often in the shape of a shield, that represents a country, place or people.  

To be awarded a medal means to be given or presented a medal.  

Bravery shown by someone who is in danger, for example when they are fighting in a war.  

A planned set of activities that people carry out over a period of time to achieve a military goal .  

Submarines used by the Germans in both World War One and Two .  The ‘u’ is for the German word unterseeboot which means “ undersea boat” .  

Service means to do something for other people or for a cause. In the military, service means to be an official member of the Navy, Army or Air Force.  

To be a member of the Navy, Army, or Airforce.

People in the Navy are graded according to the level of responsibility they have. These are called ranks. A rating is the first rank. An officer is ranked above a rating.  

The front of a medal .  

A planned military activity .  

Peacekeepers protect everyday people , prevent conflicts , help stop violence, and provide security .  Military peacekeepers are from countries who are not involved in the war or conflict.  

McMurdo Sound is a bay on the north side of Antarctica . It is home to McMurdo Station , the largest research station in Antarctica . The harbour is used by ships and airplanes to resupply .  

A medal is usually a flat piece of metal. On one side is a picture of the King or Queen or New Zealand Coat of Arms. On the other side is a design specially chosen for the medal.  

Medals are often on coloured ribbons. The ribbon colours have meanings.  

A medal can be given for service, or for an event, or for bravery.  

An artefact is an object or thing. Examples of artefacts are pieces of clothing, tools, or art. Artefacts can tell us things about a place or people.  

The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height in the 19th and early 20th century, it was the largest empire in history and, for a century, was the foremost global power.[1] By 1913, the British Empire held sway over 412 million people, 23 percent of the world population at the time,[2] and by 1920, it covered 35.5 million km2 (13.7 million sq mi),[3] 24 per cent of the Earth’s total land area. As a result, its constitutional, legal, linguistic, and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, it was described as “the empire on which the sun never sets”, as the sun was always shining on at least one of its territories.[4]

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