British naval review off Spithead according to the Dutch newspaper Dagblad van ’s-Gravenhage dated 14 March 1851

An item dated London 12 March reported that the cabinet intended to sent some of the best and most beautiful warships towards Spithead regarded the coming exhibition. This ‘fleet’ would consist of 9 ships of the line, 4 large frigates, 3 screw steam ships of the line and 1 paddle steam frigate, altogether 20 units. Another newspaper De Noord-Brabanter dated 18 March wrote that the British newspaper United Service Gazette all visitors for the exhibition would be rewarded with a fantastic show. The largest and best manned British fleet ever could be sighted as she was stationed off the Nore of Spithead. She was commanded by vice-admiral Berclex (1) and consisted of 9 ships of the line and 4-1st rate frigates, 3 screw steam ships of the line and 3 screw steam frigates and one steam frigate, altogether 20 large warships. The evening edition of Algemeen Handelsblad dated 15 March and Middelburgsche Courant dated 18 March confirmed last item although correcting the name of the vice-admiral in Bercley.

Note
1. Maurice Berkely, 1st Baron Fitzhardinge (3 January 1788-17 October 1867), at that moment Second Naval Lord (1847-1852) although in the rank of rear-admiral.