The Admiralty Library was created in the early 19th Century and now contains a large number ofrare and historic books on naval history and related subjects. The collection has been separated into three manageable elements with the largest part being held at the Royal Naval Museum Library, Portsmouth. A core collection has been retained in London by the Naval Historical Branch and the hydrographic/navigational materials have been transferred to the Hydrographic Office at Taunton.

The collection held at Portsmouth contains journals, biographies, naval and military history as well as manuscripts and rare books. Materials from all three locations may be transferred if required.

The Admiralty collection joins the Royal Naval Museum collection that contains naval biographies, materials on Nelson, social history and operation history. It has the finest collection of London Gazettes in Southern England and contains several volumes that belonged to Nelson. The Royal Naval Museum Library adds new titles and journals in its constant expansion and development of the collection and provision ofits information service.

Library users can access the collection via the computer catalogue, while materials within the Reading Room can be freely used by researchers; such as the London Gazettes, Navy Lists, Jane's Fighting Ships, current journals and quick reference materials.

The Royal Naval Museum and Admiralty Libraries are situated in No. 12 Store, a 19th Century storehouse that has been converted for library purposes, containing not only the Reading Room for researchers but environmentally controlled facilities for the storage and conservation of the collections. Along with Portsmouth Central Library's Naval Section and Gosport's Naval Reference Library, the Reading Room at the Royal Naval Museum will help to make Portsmouth the centre for the study of naval history.

The library is situated within the Naval Base and it is necessary to apply for a Reader's Ticket to gain admittance. Once accepted, visits can be made by prior appointment. For an application form contact: Librarian and Head ofinformation Services, Royal Naval Museum, HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth, P01 3NH. Tel. 01705 725490.

More Dusty Archive

The Royal Naval Museum Development Plan
The Royal Naval Museum and Admiralty Libraries, Portsmouth
Hornblower's Navy - A Naval Tour of Portsmouth