The National Museum of Bermuda has celebrated the launch in England of a book chronicling the architectural and civil engineering history of Dockyard.

Bermuda Sentinel: The Royal Naval Base 1795-1950 was written and released by Jonathan Coad, a Friends of the NMB UK trustee, archaeologist and architectural historian.

The museum celebrated the launch aboard the HMS Wellington on Friday while it was moored on the River Thames in London.

Mr Coad said: “It’s a great honour to see Bermuda Sentinel launched here in London, aboard a ship with such close links to Bermuda.

“I first visited the Dockyard 50 years ago and was struck by what I saw — an extraordinary example of imperial naval architecture and engineering.

“Today, to see the transformation of Dockyard fortifications and associated buildings, including the restoration of Commissioner’s House by the National Museum, is deeply rewarding.”

Bermuda Sentinel chronicles the evolution of the Royal Naval Dockyard from a cluster of wooden buildings to a full industrial complex and vital section of the British Empire’s military network.

It draws from original documents and artwork to show Dockyard’s transformation and the work needed to maintain it.

Mr Coad said the history of Dockyard was not just about naval history, but “craftsmanship, shared human experience and architecture”.

He added: “It remains an enduring testament to Bermuda’s strategic and cultural contributions to global maritime history.”

HMS Wellington herself underwent a major refit in Bermuda in 1944 before returning to service in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War.

The launch featured members of the NMB, Friends of the NMB UK, the Naval Dockyard Society and the Bermuda Society, as well as academics, naval officers, corporate representatives and museum supporters.

One attendee was the Equerry representing Prince Michael of Kent, the National Museum’s Royal Patron, who was unable to attend in person.

Elena Strong, the executive director of the NMB, presented His Royal Highness with a copy of Bermuda Sentinel at Kensington Palace, where she also shared updates about the museum’s work.

Other dignitaries included the Commander of HMS President, who represented the Royal Navy, and three former Bermuda governors — Sir John Vereker, Sir Richard Gozney and George Fergusson.

Members of the Naval Dockyard Society and the Bermuda Society were also in attendance.

Mr Fergusson, who also serves as the chairman of the UK Friends of the Museum, said the event was “a wonderful reminder of how Bermuda’s history extends far beyond its shores”.

He added: “Jonathan’s work deepens our understanding of the Bermuda Dockyard’s vital role.

“It was a privilege to celebrate that legacy with so many friends and supporters in London.”

Ms Strong said: “For over 150 years, the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda stood as a formidable symbol of British maritime power in the North Atlantic.

“It served as an operations hub and strategic stronghold during major global conflicts, leaving an enduring mark on Bermuda’s history, landscape and identity.”

She added: “The National Museum plays a vital role. Jonathan’s new work deepens our understanding of Bermuda in the British Atlantic and reminds us that knowing our history allows us to better understand the present and imagine our future.

“We are deeply grateful for Jonathan’s generosity in sharing this important work with us and to our sponsors who made this book possible.”

• Bermuda Sentinel: The Royal Naval Base 1795-1950 is available at theNational Museum, the Bermuda Bookstore and The Bookmart