About the Trust
“A World leading maritime heritage destination”
The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, is a registered charity set up in 1984 following the closure of the Royal Dockyard at Chatham, marking the end of over 400 years of shipbuilding on the River Medway.
Preserving maritime history
For over four centuries, the Dockyard has been at the heart of Medway’s community, and this remains the case today.
In the 40 years following its closure, we have played a key role in the wider regeneration of Medway addressing the significant economic challenges brought about by the Dockyard’s closure.
Today, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is an exemplar of heritage re-use and unique within the industrial heritage sector.
Our Purpose
As a registered charity, our purpose is set out as:
PRESERVATION
To set the benchmark in maintaining excellence in the sympathetic preservation and use of the Historic Dockyard, its buildings, ships and collections through diverse re-use. Excellence in management of the heritage environment and building use will remain essential in preserving the unique, award-winning, historic character of the site.
LEARNING
To engage the widest audiences in learning about the significance and role of the former Royal Dockyard at Chatham and its people in supporting the Royal Navy from sail to steam to nuclear power over a 400-year period.
Our Work
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is much more than a museum and heritage site – it’s a place where over 190 organisations have chosen to locate.
We work in several different ways to fulfil our charitable objectives of preservation and learning. Much of our operating income is generated through these charitable activities as well as a range of commercial trading activities.
Historic buildings
There are over 100 buildings and structures at the Historic Dockyard of which 48 are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, protected by law. The Dockyard is run on a principle of preservation through reuse. Some buildings are open to visitors, others are occupied by residential tenants, businesses and faculties of the University of Kent and Mid Kent College.
Museum galleries
The story of Chatham Dockyard and its people can be discovered in our immersive exhibition galleries, such as Command of the Oceans and The Ropery. Explore three historic warships to learn about warship construction, refit and repair and examine important objects related to the Dockyard.
Collections
We care for over 70,000 objects in our collection – ranging from archaeology, rigging, hand tools and machinery to fine art and photography.
Learning & Educational visits
We welcome thousands of learning groups each year. Our authentic and varied learning environment is ideal for a wide range of educational tours and group sizes.
Fundraising
Our community engagement and outreach work is tailored to meet the needs and interests of specific target groups, and offers wider access to our objects and resources.
Working with Communities
Our community engagement and outreach work is tailored to meet the needs and interests of specific target groups, and offers wider access to our objects and resources.
Filming & Venue Hire
Where else can you hold a business meeting among the very timbers where legendary Admirals have planned historic battles? Say wedding vows under sails that have witness timeless stories of love? Or celebrate special occasions in rooms where illustrious heroes have rejoiced in their greatest victories?
Commercial Property
With a thriving business and residential community, the Historic Dockyard is a great place to live and work.
Master Ropemakers
Rope has been made at Chatham Dockyard for over 400 years. Today it is still produced using traditional methods, both for the benefit of our visitors and for commercial sale.
our crew
Our organisational culture strives for excellence across the board, delivering unmatched, inspirational and memorable experiences for everyone we interact with. We develop exciting and sustainable ways of re-using and reinventing The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Based in the the Medway Towns, an area of cultural and economic regeneration, we are served with excellent road, bus and rail links (40 minutes from Central London) and are within commutable distance from surrounding areas including Kent, East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London.
Our people sit at the heart of our charitable objectives and our culture. The Historic Dockyard offers a unique, exciting and stimulating environment to work.
