As modern multi-million dollar yachts nudge up to its aged stone docks it's sometimes hard to remember that references to English Harbour as a hurricane haven for ships can be traced back as far as 1571. Today, the main complex which has became known as Nelsons Dockyard not only provides a winter home for the glamorous luxury vessels of the rich and famous, it is also the last remaining example of a Georgian Naval Dockyard anywhere in the world. It offers an informative and romantic step back in time and is a "must visit" for anyone staying in Antigua.

A Naval Yard was first established on the Initiative of the Antiguan Assembly following a suggestion by two British naval captains. They were anxious to provide local facilities to cater for the basic needs of the war-ships that patroled 1000 miles of valuable British West Indian sugar islands. It's main use was as a careening station.

The British began to use it as a Royal Dockyard in 1725 when funds were allocated for the construction of St. Helena, located on the eastern side of the harbour. In 1743 Commodore Charles Knowles established the Dockyard at its present site and developed it extensively. By being able to repair, victual and water ships in the West Indies, England was able to keep a fleet of ships continuously in the Caribbean. A survey of 1774 outlined the present layout and most of the buildings seen today were built between 1785 and 1792.

Following the loss of the American colonies after the Revolution, the Dockyard reaches its zenith during the Napoleonic Wars with the French, 1790-1815. It was at this time that Heratio Nelson, at age 26, commanded the Northern Division of the Leeward Island Station (1784-87), headquartered in English Harbour.

.........................Photo courtesey of Nicole Mouck maritime@candw.ag

After the battle of Waterloo in 1815, peace reigned over the warring nations and gradually English Harbour lost its importance; however, it was still maintained for another three quarters of a century as a coaling station for smaller ships and until 1878 for the Royal Mail Packet Company with Antigua mail.

The industrial revolution contributed to its decline as did the advent of steam-powdered ships; such gradual disuse resulted in the Royal Navy completely closing it in 1889.

The Dockyard officially reopened in 1961. Now this Georgian Naval Dockyard is part of Antigua's first national park, under the Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority.

If all that history has left you with an impression of the Dockyard as a dry and dusty relic, then I suggest you visit it during Antigua Sailing Week when hundreds of racing sailboats descend intent upon fierce competition and some very serious partying!