John Rigby & Co., Britain’s oldest gunmaking house, marked its 250th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration aboard HMS Victory and HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on 16 May 2025. The milestone event brought together an international gathering of hunting and gun enthusiasts, including Donald Trump Jr., British Member of Parliament Nigel Farage and several Middle Eastern Crown Princes.
The evening celebrations aboard HMS Victory and HMS Warrior showcased British heritage through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and military pageantry. Rigby craftsmen demonstrated centuries-old gunmaking techniques by candlelight on the atmospheric gun decks, while a grand procession led by company descendant Melissa Rigby featured the Waterloo Band, London Scottish pipers and period-costumed members of the Honourable Artillery Company. Two Spitfires provided a thunderous aerial display above the dockyard, and guests enjoyed a dinner on HMS Warrior of quintessentially British fare including Dorset crab with asparagus, braised fallow shank and prune Armagnac Bakewell tart.
Managing Director Marc Newton, who has led Rigby’s remarkable resurgence over the past twelve years, addressed the 250 guests from the poop deck of HMS Victory. “Twelve years ago, Rigby in the UK was nothing more than some ideas in my head and a box of papers in my car,” Newton reflected. “To see all of you here as one unified Rigby family is without question the proudest moment of my career.”
The company also unveiled exclusive Victory Edition rifles during three intimate VIP banquets held in Nelson’s cabin earlier that week. These unique best rifles incorporate oak reclaimed from HMS Victory’s oldest sections, with each order dramatically confirmed by customers shouting “Fire!” to trigger period cannon blasts. Five percent of the proceeds from each Victory Edition rifle will go to support HMS Victory’s ongoing restoration.
The evening culminated in a grand firework display synchronised with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” featuring live cannon fire and musket volleys from The Garrison Artillery Volunteers. The spectacular finale, which was visible across Hampshire, illuminated Portsmouth Harbour in golden light and Rigby blue.
Rigby’s renaissance represents more than nostalgic recreation, it exemplifies a vibrant, forward-looking enterprise that has reimagined British gunmaking for the 21st century. The celebrations marked a historic milestone and declared that, for British gunmaking, the golden age continues to flourish in the present day.
That was a night to remember!
As the First Lieutenant of HMS Victory I felt privileged to be invited to the initial planning meetings for this event with Marc Newton and Steve ‘Monty’ Monteith alongside the National Museum of the Royal Navy. It was evident this was going to be one hell of a celebration, and rightly so! From initial concept, planning to the final delivery it was a pure delight to be involved. Bestowed upon me was the honour to lead the tours of HMS Victory for the incredible list of distinguished guests prior to dinner in Lord Nelsons Great Cabin. Never before have I seen the Great Cabin decorated so beautifully. This whole event was one of a kind and showcased British heritage and Craftsmanship at its very finest. Rigby 250 alongside HMS Victory and HMS Warrior was a pure honour to be involved with. Congratulations Rigby!
Well done Marc