Chatham Historic Dockyard

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Chatham Historic Dockyard

The town of Chatham has long held links with the Royal Navy and when its dockyard was closed in the 1980’s it was decided that it should be turned into a museum to tell the story of its 400 year history.

Since the 16^th Century Chatham, on the banks of the River Medway has had a connection with the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy was established during the reign of Henry VIII and Chatham quickly became a favourite location and anchorage because of its sheltered river location and nearness to the English Channel and Europe where the greatest threat to national security was believed to be.

There is a lot to see and do in a visit to the dockyard and places worth a visit include the Ropery which was built in 1785 and where ropes were made to supply the Navy. The building is 1,140 feet long and the ground floor is still in use; visitors can see ropes still being made today on machinery installed in 1806. The covered slipways built to allow work to be carried out without worrying about the weather are also worth a visit as are the many listed buildings which give a picture of life at the dockyard in years gone by. There is a fine display of the history of wooden warships. The museum in the dockyard charts the 400 year history of the place and is fascinating.

A number of ships are on display including HMS Cavalier from World War II, the submarine Ocelot and HMS Gannet built in 1878. There is a lifeboat collection from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and displays about some of the more famous rescues the volunteer crews have been involved in.

Chatham Historic Dockyard Prices:

ADULTS - £14.00
CONCESSIONS - (Senior Citizens, Students, Ex-Services, HM Forces with ID) - £11.50
CHILDREN - (Aged 5-15 years old) - £9.50
FAMILY - (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) - £39.50
ADDITIONAL FAMILY CHILD - £6.50

Opening Dats and Times:

The Caves are open from Wednesday to Sunday and the 45 minute guided tours start hourly.
The first tour is at 10am and the last at 4pm.
During local school and Bank Holidays (except Christmas and New Year) we are open every day.

You can find the Chatham Historic Dockyard at:

The Historic Dockyard
Chatham
ME4 4TZ
Phone 01634 823807
or visit the website www.chdt.org.uk

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