The dockyard was altered and improved by Charles I.
The dock and victualling yards occupy together an area of some i oo acres spread over the shores on both sides of those arms of the great harbour known as "Dockyard" and "French" creeks, the dockyard being partly on the former, but principally on the latter creek.
On the river front, extending into the borough of Greenwich, are the royal victualling yard and the site of the old Deptford dockyard.
The dockyard ceased to be used in 1869, and was filled up and converted into a foreign cattle market by the City Corporation.
The dockyard is lighted by electricity, so that work can be carried on by night as well as day.