Royal ArsenalSite of the Royal Arsenal until 1960 Sheerness was named from the bright waters of the deep channels at the Medway’s mouth.
Henry VIII’s reign saw small fortifications further developed after the ignominy of the 1660’s Dutch Wars. A small settlement, ‘The Blue Houses’, accompanied an enlarged Dockyard replacing the temporary hulks used by shipwrights. Buildings following Rennie’s 1820 yard included the surviving Boat Store (1859), the World’s first iron-framed building.
Seaman Richard Parker instigated protests for better pay and conditions (Nore Mutiny, 1797) and was hanged nearby. In the 19th Century came resort development, visitors arriving by steamer and from 1860 by rail to a station in West Street. The present terminus opened in 1883. |
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Land was reclaimed between the wars to provide visitor facilities and a new promenade constructed. Major sea-flooding occurred roughly every half-century, the worst being in 1897 and 1952, hence the present high sea wall. |
| |
 |
| For more information contact: |
Tourism Section
Swale Borough Council
Swale House
East Street
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 3HT
United Kingdom |
|
|
| Telephone: |
+44 (0) 1795 417478 |
| Facsimile: |
+44 (0)1795 417 275 |
| Email: |
tourism@swale.gov.uk |
| Website: |
http://www.swaletourism.co.uk |
| |
|
