This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

AFTER ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

'The Fleet at anchor'

11 - 11 Mar 1854

Carbon print | 12.6 x 22.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2906005

Photograph of a fleet of naval ships anchored at Spithead, with Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth in the foreground. A group of figures watch the fleet, standing and seated on the esplanade. There is a obelisk located on the far left side of the photograph.

The obelisk was constructed in 1782. Previously, a gibbet, a tool used in public execution, was located on the spot of the obelisk. The gibbet had held the body of John Felton (1595-1629) who assassinated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628) in 1628. The gibbet had been used as a marker to show the boundary between Portsmouth and Southsea. When the gibbet fell down, the obelisk was constructed as a new marker.
  • Creator(s)

    After Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

  • 12.6 x 22.5 cm (image)

  • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Naval formations & units
          • Squadron sections. Individual fleets (Navy)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Vessels (marine)
          • Ships
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • The Solent [England]
              • Spithead [Solent]
            • Hampshire [England]
              • Portsmouth [Hampshire]
                • Southsea [Hampshire]
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs