Chatham in Medway, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Steam Hammer, 1955

Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 5, 2018

1. Steam Hammer, 1955 Marker

Inscription.
Steam Hammer, 1955
R G Ross & Son, Glasgow

Steam hammers played an important role in iron and steel shipbuilding. They were used as part of the forging process to hammer iron, heated in furnaces, into shape. They were located in workshops across the Dockyard including No.1 Smithery where they were used for forging heavy anchors. During the 20th century, most of the Dockyard's machine tools were painted light green.

This double-legged 5-ton hammer was installed in No.1 Smithery in 1955 and later dismantled when the Smithery ceased production in 1974. It has been re-erected here as part of the works to restore and adapt the building.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 51° 23.785′ N, 0° 31.705′ E. Marker is in Chatham, England, in Medway. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Western Avenue and Main Gate Road, on the left when traveling north. Located in Historic Dockyard Chatham. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chatham, England ME4 4TZ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. No. 1 Smithery, 1808 (within shouting distance of this marker); 30 CWT ‘Cochrane’ Steam Hammer (within shouting distance of this marker); No. 3 Covered Slip, 1838

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Propeller, RFA Reliant, c.1954 (within shouting distance of this marker); Plate Bending Rolls, 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Timber Seasoning Sheds, 1774 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mast Houses & Mould Loft (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); North Mast Pond, 1702 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Also see . . .
1. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. (Submitted on June 7, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Chatham Dockyard Historical Society. (Submitted on June 7, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Chatham Dockyard on Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 7, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 5, 2018

2. Steam Hammer, 1955 & Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.