CHATHAM DOCKYARD

 Chatham, being part of the ever-growing Medway conurbation, has precious little to recommend it, apart from the wonderful Historic Dockyard, Set in an 80-acre estate with stunning historic architecture, historic ships and museum galleries. The Dockyards are built around a remarkable collection of historic buildings dating to the 17th century.

Chatham Dockyard played a vital role supporting the Royal Navy for over 400 years. The dockyard was established by Elizabeth I in 1568 and closed in 1984.

There was little more than a small village here until the 16th century when warships began to take advantage of the sheltered moorings off Gillingham. Elizabeth I decided to create a dockyard to service the fleet, and the Royal Naval Dockyards at Chatham were born.

The dockyards were initially only used for refitting vessels but later expanded to become a centre for shipbuilding. The dockyards needed to be defended, and Fort Amhurst was begun in 1756. Late fortifications were added to protect from attack by land. Fort Pitt was added in 1806, and a third ring of forts from 1859.

From the Spanish Armada to the Falklands Crisis ships built, repaired and manned from Chatham secured and maintained Britain’s command of the world ocean’s and the global position it has today.