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
Chatham Dockyard in 1790 (by Nicholas Pocock)
Chatham Dockyard (Kent)
Coordinates	51°23′50″N 00°31′40″E
Site information
Operator	Royal Navy
Controlled by	The Navy Board (until 1832); the Admiralty (1832–1964).
Open to the public	as Chatham Historic Dockyard
Other site facilities	Military barracks and fortifications
Website	Chatham Historic Dockyard
Site history
In use	1567–1984
Fate	Preserved as a maritime heritage visitor attraction
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

• 
  The Clocktower Building
• 
  Sail and Colour Loft
• 
  Timber Seasoning sheds
• 
  Wheelwrights' shop
• 
  Masthouses and Mould Loft
• 
  Joiners' Shop
• 
  Lower Boat House and North Mast Pond