The Blue Plaque commemorating the India Arms in gosport can be seen over the middle of the entrance at the right of the white building. What confuses me slightly is that it is the site of, but it appears that the building is Grade II listed – so this must be the building. I have an account with the British Newspaper Archive. There are loads of articles about the India Arms. It looks like there were lots of auctions held there. Here’s an extract from a news paper report;
“At the INDIA ARMS INN, GOSPORT The Good clinch-built Cutter LORD NELSON, Dimensions Length 55 feet 6; breadth 18 feet 10; depth in hold 7 feet 5; Built at Bridport 10 years since admeasures e75 tons, is pierced For 14 guns , completely fitted for an hired armed cutter or private vessel of war”
It’s that last bit that really surprises me – a ship for mercenaries, and no bones about it. There were a lot of auctions held there. I must admit I did a search to see if there were any reports of fights or Press-Gangs. There were, but not associated with the India Arms. Perhaps that’s a good thing?
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