Chatham Dockyard Collection

Dock No. 2 at Chatham Yard, recently opened, 1858. Creator: Smyth
Dock No. 2 at Chatham Yard, recently opened, 1858. The Dock recently completed at Chatham, known as No. 2 Dock...was commenced in October, 1855, and completed in October of the present year

Allegory on the Dutch Raid on the Medway (1667), with a Portrait of Cornelis de Witt, 1668. Creator: Cornelis Bisschop
Allegory on the Dutch Raid on the Medway (1667), with a Portrait of Cornelis de Witt, 1668

Siege Operations at Chatham - Springing a Mine, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Siege Operations at Chatham - Springing a Mine, 1854. Military exercises in Kent, attended by Prince Albert. A column of the 34th then advanced from Gillingham Tower under a heavy fire from the 32

The new iron-clad fleet: launch at Chatham Dockyard of H.M.S. frigate Royal Oak, 50 guns, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The new iron-clad fleet: launch at Chatham Dockyard of H.M.S. frigate Royal Oak, 50 guns, 1862....the first completed of a new class of wooden vessels in the course of construction under the special

The new iron-clad fleet: stem of Her Majesty's steam-frigate Achilles, 50 guns, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The new iron-clad fleet: stem of Her Majesty's steam-frigate Achilles, 50 guns, 1862. The construction of this gigantic iron frigate, under the superintendence of Mr. 0. W

The new iron-clad fleet: framing of Her Majesty's steam-frigate Achilles, 50 guns, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The new iron-clad fleet: framing of Her Majesty's steam-frigate Achilles, 50 guns, 1862. The construction of this gigantic iron frigate, under the superintendence of Mr. 0. W

Launch of HMS Agamemnon at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1099774 Launch of HMS Agamemnon at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Launch of HMS Agamemnon at Chatham Dockyard)

Boiler Explosion in Chatham Dockyard Yesterday Week (engraving)
1103532 Boiler Explosion in Chatham Dockyard Yesterday Week (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boiler Explosion in Chatham Dockyard Yesterday Week)

Breaking up the Hospital-Ship "Dreadnought"at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1611584 Breaking up the Hospital-Ship " Dreadnought" at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Launch of HMS Alexandra at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1611741 Launch of HMS Alexandra at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Launch of HMS Alexandra at Chatham Dockyard)

Chatham Dockyard, Launch of the Goliath and the Virago (engraving)
1586899 Chatham Dockyard, Launch of the Goliath and the Virago (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chatham Dockyard, Launch of the Goliath and the Virago)

Armament of HMS Northampton in Chatham Dockyard, lowering an 18-Ton Gun into the Battery (engraving)
1590025 Armament of HMS Northampton in Chatham Dockyard, lowering an 18-Ton Gun into the Battery (engraving) by Overend, William Heysham (1851-98) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

In the Grip of the Frost, the Medway below Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1038951 In the Grip of the Frost, the Medway below Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: In the Grip of the Frost)

Called out for Service (engraving)
1046541 Called out for Service (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Called out for Service, the Tribulations of an Officer of the Naval Reserve)

The New Iron-Clad Fleet, Launch at Chatham Dockyard of HMS Frigate Royal Oak, 50 Guns (engraving)
1587824 The New Iron-Clad Fleet, Launch at Chatham Dockyard of HMS Frigate Royal Oak, 50 Guns (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Iron-Clad Fleet)

Gateway of Chatham Dockyard, Departure of Discharged Workmen (engraving)
2772099 Gateway of Chatham Dockyard, Departure of Discharged Workmen (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gateway of Chatham Dockyard)

Chatham Dockyard, searching Tool-Chests of Discharged Workmen (engraving)
2772093 Chatham Dockyard, searching Tool-Chests of Discharged Workmen (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chatham Dockyard)

Testing Chain Cables, Chatham Dockyard, "Slacking Off"(engraving)
1614081 Testing Chain Cables, Chatham Dockyard, " Slacking Off" (engraving) by Murray, William Bazett (fl.1871-90); Private Collection; (add.info.: Testing Chain Cables, Chatham Dockyard)

Launch of HMS Medea at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1595344 Launch of HMS Medea at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Launch of HMS Medea at Chatham Dockyard)

HMS Polyphemus (engraving)
1590467 HMS Polyphemus (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: HMS Polyphemus. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 25 June 1881)

Troop Boats ready for Service at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1590027 Troop Boats ready for Service at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Troop Boats ready for Service at Chatham Dockyard)

Floating out a Battleship, Chatham Dockyard (colour litho)
3623983 Floating out a Battleship, Chatham Dockyard (colour litho) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Floating out a Battleship, Chatham Dockyard)

In Readiness for the Naval Manoeuvres (engraving)
1047964 In Readiness for the Naval Manoeuvres (engraving) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: In Readiness for the Naval Manoeuvres)

The Old Arctic Exploring Ship Resolute, now broken up at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1099782 The Old Arctic Exploring Ship Resolute, now broken up at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1101739 Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chatham Dockyard. Illustration for The Illustrated London News)

Our Future Navy, HMS "Glatton"(engraving)
1057718 Our Future Navy, HMS " Glatton" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Our Future Navy, HMS " Glatton")

Extremes Meet, an Eastern Visitor (litho)
1051728 Extremes Meet, an Eastern Visitor (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Extremes Meet, an Eastern Visitor)

HMS "Formidable"(chromolitho)
2790850 HMS " Formidable" (chromolitho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: HMS " Formidable." Illustration for one of a set of cigarette cards)

The New Iron-Clad Fleet, bending Armour-Plates by Hydraulic Pressure at Chatham Dockyard (engraving)
1588076 The New Iron-Clad Fleet, bending Armour-Plates by Hydraulic Pressure at Chatham Dockyard (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Iron-Clad Fleet)

"Overtime", completing HMS "Magnificent", a Night Scene in Chatham Dockyard (litho)
1056646 " Overtime", completing HMS " Magnificent", a Night Scene in Chatham Dockyard (litho) by Wyllie

The Salving of HMS "Howe", the Disabled Battleship passing up the Medway on her Way to Chatham Dockyard
1062668 The Salving of HMS " Howe", the Disabled Battleship passing up the Medway on her Way to Chatham Dockyard (litho) by Wyllie

Chatham Dockyard
The gateway entrance to Chatham Dockyard in Kent, circa 1930. The coat of arms of King George III bears the mottoes Dieu et Mon Droit and Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense

The West Prospect of His Majestys Dock-Yard, at Chatham, 1738, (1942). Creators: Samuel Buck
The West Prospect of His Majestys Dock-Yard, at Chatham, 1738, (1942). View of the Royal Navy Dockyard on the River Medway at Chatham on the Kent coast

Chatham Dockyard, 1898. Creator: Unknown
Chatham Dockyard, 1898. Chatham Dockyard, a Royal Navy Dockyard located on the River Medway in Kent, at the forefront of shipbuilding, industrial and architectural technology

Chatham, c1910. Creator: Unknown
Chatham, c1910. Launch of H.M.S. " Hercules", a modern Ironclad. Dockyard and Naval Station. Population, 26, 424. A warship of the British Royal Navy being launched at Chatham in Kent

The Princess of Wales launching the new ironclad ship Alexandra, 1875. Launch of HMS Alexandra, a central battery ironclad of the Victorian Royal Navy at Chatham Dockyard

The cover of The Illustrated London News, 17th April 1875. Artist: JR Wells
The cover of The Illustrated London News, 17th April 1875. Commissioned in 1877, the Alexandra was a broadside ironclad battleship

Breaking up the hospital ship Dreadnought at Chatham dockyard, 1875. A print from The Illustrated London News, (23 January 1875)

Chatham Dockyard from Port Pitt, engraved by R
XJF465135 Chatham Dockyard from Port Pitt, engraved by R. Roffe, published in Irelands History of Kent, published in 1831 (engraving) by Shepherd

HMS Sturgeon
The Royal Navy submarine HMS Sturgeon (73S) is launched from Chatham Dockyard in Kent, 8th January 1932. (Photo by Douglas Miller/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

HM Submarine X1
The newly-commissioned Royal Navy submarine HMS X1 leaves Chatham Dockyard in Kent, 12th September 1925. (Photo by Brooke/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

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"Chatham Dockyard: A Historic Hub of Maritime Triumphs and Tragedies" Step back in time as we delve into the captivating history of Chatham Dockyard, a renowned establishment that witnessed both awe-inspiring launches and heart-wrenching disasters. In an enchanting engraving, the grandeur of HMS Agamemnon's launch at Chatham Dockyard is captured, symbolizing the birth of a mighty vessel destined for greatness. The air buzzed with anticipation as this majestic ship embarked on its maiden voyage, leaving spectators in awe. However, not all moments were filled with celebration. Another engraving depicts a somber incident - the devastating Boiler Explosion in Chatham Dockyard. In a tragic turn of events, lives were lost and chaos ensued within these hallowed grounds. It serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicated their lives to maritime endeavors. Amidst triumphs and tragedies alike, Chatham Dockyard remained an industrious hub where ships underwent transformations. Witnessed through engravings like "Breaking up the Hospital-Ship 'Dreadnought', " it becomes evident that even vessels once revered must eventually bid farewell to their seafaring days. The launch of HMS Alexandra stands out among these historical snapshots; another testament to Chatham Dockyard's prowess in constructing formidable warships. As this vessel gracefully entered the water under cheering crowds' watchful eyes, it marked yet another milestone etched into this illustrious dockyard's legacy. Not only did Chatham Dockyard excel at building powerful warships but also showcased its expertise in armament assembly. An intriguing engraving showcases workers lowering an 18-Ton Gun into HMS Northampton's battery – demonstrating meticulous precision required for naval warfare readiness. Yet nature itself could pose challenges too; "In the Grip of Frost" captures Medway River frozen beneath Chatham Dockyard during harsh winters – reminding us that even the mightiest of establishments are not immune to the whims of Mother Nature.