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
17. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
A spotless mess deck at HMS Excellent, Whale Island. To the rear are hammocks stored in racks. Photo: The News archive
18. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
A day out in a horse drawn charabanc was well received by sailors from HMS Excellent. Photo: The News archive
19. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
Funeral courtage crosses to HMS Excellent, Whale Island. The gun carriage bearing Admiral Fraser’s coffin passes over the bridge to enter HMS Excellent, Whale Island in 1981. Photo: Mike Smith collection, The News archive. Photo: The News archive
20. HMS Excellent on Whale Island
I am sure many ex-naval personal will remember the old entry point into HMS Excellent, Whale Island. Photo: The News archive