Chatham Dockyard

Chatham Dockyard was a Royal Navy Dockyard located on the River Medway in Kent. It was established in Chatham in the mid-16th century. The dockyard was then expanded into neighbouring Gillingham. Chatham Dockyards and its Defences were UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[1]

HM Dockyard, Chatham
Chatham, Kent
HMS Royal George on the Medway, with HMS Queen Charlotte under construction 1790.jpg
Chatham Dockyard in 1790 (by Nicholas Pocock)
Coordinates 51°23′50″N 00°31′40″E / 51.39722°N 0.52778°E / 51.39722; 0.52778
In use 1567–1984
Open to
the public
as Chatham Historic Dockyard
Controlled by The Navy Board (until 1832); the Admiralty (1832–1964).
Events Raid on the Medway, 1667

It existed after the Reformation. It was at a time when relations with the Catholic countries of Europe had worsened, which increased the need for additional defences.[2]

For 414 years, 500 ships were made available for the Royal Navy because of Chatham Royal Dockyard. It was at the forefront of shipbuilding, industrial and architectural technology. At its height, it employed over 10,000 skilled artisans. It covered 400 acres (1.6 km2).

Chatham Dockyard was closed in 1984. The 84 acres (34 ha) Georgian dockyard is now managed as the Chatham Historic Dockyard. It is a visitor attraction by the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.

Gallery

Chatham Dockyard Media

References

  1. Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Chatham Dockyard and its Defences". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  2. Archives, The National. "The National Archives - Homepage". The National Archives. Retrieved 2020-08-14.

Notes

Other websites