The Master, Tony Ginman, organised a visit for Lightmonger members and their guests  to the Historic Chatham Dockyard on July 11th. 

We were hosted by Honorary Liveryman Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, a Trustee and Chairman of Historic Chatham Dockyard Trust, who welcomed us to the venue and gave a brief introduction to the history of the dockyard from its start in the mid 16th century through to its closure as a Royal Navy Dockyard in 1984. Many historic ships, including HMS Victory, were built there and towards the end of its time it specialised on the building of submarines.

The first ship that Sir Trevor commanded was the submarine Ocelot, built at Chatham and now preserved in a dry dock there. We were very privileged therefore to be given a personal tour of the submarine by Sir Trevor, which was absolutely fascinating. We learnt and saw how limited the space was for a crew, who could be on a tour of duty for months at a time! 

HMS Ocelot in dry dock

Sir Trevor leading the group inside HMS Ocelot – tight space!

Members of the group, with Sir Trevor, after their tour of HMS Ocelot

The Historic Chatham Dockyard Trust was set up at the same time as the dockyard closed as a Royal Navy shipbuilding yard. It was formed to preserve and manage the site and today it is a successful self-funded operation, providing premises for local businesses as well as local employment; demonstrations of traditional ship-building crafts such as carpentry and rope-making (still being produced commercially as well) and exhibitions e.g. RNLI boats through the ages or short term touring exhibitions such as  “Lego Wrecks”, which is moving from country to country.

Fascinating demonstration of rope-making.    

Shipwrecks modelled in Lego – what patience!

The group thanked the Master and Sir Trevor for organising such an absorbing visit and it is certainly a great place with plenty of interest for a day visit.