Monument MPM2145 - Mast Pond (Boat Pond), Portsmouth Dockyard

Mast Pond constructed in Portsmouth Dockyard in 1665 to store timbers to prevent drying or splitting prior to being made into masts [1, 3]. The pond was excavated by garrison soldiers and dockyard labourers [2]. Dutch prisoners of war may also have been involved in it's construction [2, 3]. The dockyard's defensive pallisades were extended to incorporate the pond in c.1695. The pond's function was changed to that of a Boat Pond (for repairing boats) with the introduction of steam ships during the 19th century [2].

The pond is connected to Portsmouth Harbour by a tunnel that runs under Main Road and Boathouse 4 (see MPM1099).

<1> Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.

<2> Naval Dockyards Society, 2015, 20th Century Naval Dockyards: Devonport and Portsmouth Characterisation Report (Bibliographic reference). SPM399.

<3> Portsmouth Historic Quarter Trust, 2025, Portsmouth Historic Quarter website (Bibliographic reference). SPM670.