Chatham in Medway, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
No. 1 Smithery, 1808
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 5, 2018
1. No. 1 Smithery, 1808 Marker
No.1 Smithery, 1808
Scheduled Ancient Monument
In 1805 the Dockyard Officers petitioned the Navy Board for a new Smithery at Chatham to replace an earlier and smaller 18th century Smiths' Shop as a result of the "great introduction of iron work in Building and repair of Ships.”
The work was given to Edward Holl, the Navy Board architect, and built between 1806-08. It is now the most complete example of a smithery from the age of sail to survive in a dockyard.
During the mid-19th century the use of iron in shipbuilding increased dramatically and the building was adapted and extended to provide space for new workshops and steam powered tools. Nasmyth steam hammers, rivet making machines and a large frame bending floor were all introduced. No.1 Smithery remained in use until 1974.
Today No.1 Smithery houses collections from Royal Museums Greenwich and Imperial War Museums, as well as the Historic Dockyard's temporary exhibition gallery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 51° 23.778′ N, 0° 31.73′ E. Marker is in Chatham, England, in Medway. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Western Avenue and
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 30 CWT ‘Cochrane’ Steam Hammer (within shouting distance of this marker); Propeller, RFA Reliant, c.1954 (within shouting distance of this marker); Steam Hammer, 1955 (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); No. 3 Covered Slip, 1838 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mast Houses & Mould Loft (within shouting distance of this marker); North Mast Pond, 1702 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
Also see . . .
1. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Chatham Dockyard Historical Society. (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Chatham Dockyard on Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 5, 2018
2. No. 1 Smithery Building beyond the Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
