It was commissioned in 1869 and was home to a gunnery school for more than a century. The base was decommissioned in 1985 when the school was opened and the site became part of HMS Nelson.
These days HMS Excellent is part of the Maritime Warfare School, with a headquarters at HMS Collingwood, though there are a number of lodger units on the Royal Navy base.
The photos in this gallery tell the story of the base, including the training that was carried out and the parades that took place there.
HMS Excellent is based on Whale Island in Portsmouth, so you are sure to spot it if you are driving in or out of the city on the motorway.
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MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Pounds’ scrapyard | Amazing Royal Navy photos from the past | Old Portsmouth
9. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
The lion on top of the drill shed, HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive
10. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
Sailors from HMS Excellent, Whale Island in rehearsal for the Royal Tournament. Photo: The News archive
11. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
In 1939 the King’s Colour was marched through Portsmouth from HMS Excellent,Whale Island to the Royal Naval Barracks, Queen Street. Photo: The News archive
12. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
The holiest of naval properties, the parade ground HMS Excellent, where drill instructors ruled. Photo: The News archive