HMS Penelope F127

In this trials role wonder why the Seawolf was fitted aft, having gone to the trouble of removing the gun turret.

Most of her early career was as trials ship for one thing or another, maybe it was easier to fit all the associated test gear for the Sea Wolf on the flight deck rather than up front.
I'm sure she had the gun turret removed before the Sea Wolf test role, could be wrong though. I've seen various pictures of her minus bits of equipment over the years, even the 965 scanner was take off at one point.
The picture I would like to post (if I could find it) is the one of her on her initial builders trials, with a much lower sleeker County Class style funnel.

looks like south yard
anyone got any pics of devonport before the complex was built? what was in that area before?

Penelope is shown berthed at Slip Jetty ( South Yard, as stated). The building with 'windows' in the roof is No:1 Building Slip and is the oldest slip at Devonport, dating from the 17th century I believe. Hasn't been used for many years but maintained as a historic building. The 'complex' cockerhoop mentions is in North Yard and is a covered facility of 3 graving docks. This replaced an older (19th century) dock facility, (3 docks if I remember correctly).

The older docks 5 6 and 7 were all of different sizes and dug out towards the pancake house to make them the same size before the sheds were built over.

Quote - I'm sure she had the gun turret removed before the Sea Wolf test role, could be wrong though. - Unquote.

Hi ******, she missing her turret in this picture. Don't know when they removed it though, or if it was ever put back.

i think you will find they removed the 4.5 turret in 1971/72 & it was never put back ,i spent two & a half yrs on her 75/77

interestingly her turret was cocooned in 1966 after only firing 700 rounds, it remained onboard in this state until 1972 when it was removed to make room for a wardroom annex to house extra scientific staff - source Leander class frigates by Jim Allaway.
This picture brings back many memories of her berthed at South yard during her Sea wolf days, i assume the shore side test equipment was located in this area of the dockyard as this was the only area she berthed during this test phase.

walker windsails were in the building mentioned in 1995

I can confirm that 'Penny' is tied up alongside at No 3,slip jetty.I remember joining 'Cherry B' when she was tied up there in late july 1977.