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
13. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
An early view of HMS Excellent’s east shore buildings taken from the west shoreline of Portsea Island. Photo: The News archive
14. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
Flamingos and geese in the zoo at HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive
15. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
Seamen’s blocks, HMS Excellent Whale Island. Young seamen gunners standing outside their mess blocks in HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive
16. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
The water garden, HMS Excellent, Whale island. Long lost in time, here we see the water gardens and aviary located at Whale island, HMS Excellent before the last war. Photo: The News archive