Maritime

Shipbuilding has long been a focal industry along the banks of the River Medway.  It grew in importance when the Royal Dockyard was founded at Chatham more than 400 years ago. forging Medway's proud maritime heritage.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is now a popular visitor attraction and film location including the setting for the popular TV drama series Call the Midwife.

This spectacular maritime heritage attraction offers visitors a variety of things to see and do as they wander around the heritage site exploring several galleries, climb aboard historic warships and learn about the skills of the trade required to be a first class shipbuilder.

Military

Medway is proud to be home to the Royal School of Military Engineering. It is also home to a wonderful neighbouring military museum. 

The Royal Engineers Museum offers a fascinating insight into the work of the Engineers over the centuries and houses a collection of international importance, telling the explosive history of Britain and its empire.  Explore interactive displays, military vehicles and exceptional artefacts, including the Duke of Wellington's map, used at the Battle of Waterloo.

Just further along the road from museum is Fort Amherst.  The fort was built in 1756 to defend the naval dockyard from landward attack, and it continued to serve this purpose until the end of World War Two.  The fort has a vast complex of underground tunnels and chambers that can be explored on a guided tour.

On the banks of the River Medway stands Upnor Castle.  The castle was built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I to protect her naval warships moored at Chatham.