The Experiment Works existed from 1872 to 1977 and for most of its history was based at the Haslar Gunboat Yard in Gosport, South Hampshire.

[1] It was Admiralty's first research establishment, and was initially structured around experimental work by engineer and naval architect William Froude, concerning methods to accelerate vessel propulsion.

[1][2] The Establishment was administered by the Director of Naval Construction, reporting to the Third Sea Lord in his capacity as Controller of the Navy.

[3] By 1886 its focus centered on the model testing of ship's hulls, and a year later was relocated to what would become its permanent home at the Haslar Gunboat Yard.

The results of these experiments were then used by Naval Construction Department enabling it to improve ship design and performance.