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

North Mast Pond, 1702

Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 5, 2018

1. North Mast Pond, 1702 Marker

Inscription.
North Mast Pond, 1702
Scheduled Ancient Monument

In the age of sail fir logs for mast-making were first seasoned by storing them under water in the mast ponds. This allowed the sap to die back without the resin drying out. The Dockyard had two mast ponds — today the North Mast Pond is the only one left intact. The South Mast Pond was filled in during the late 19th century and now lies under the gravel overflow car park.

Behind the North Mast Pond lies the Lower Boat House. Originally built during the 1840's as a shed for ‘sided timber’ - logs that that had been sawn into planks or baulks in the Brunel Saw Mill. It was later adapted to become a boat house, a building where small ships boats were made, repaired and stored.

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

Location. 51° 23.807′ N, 0° 31.794′ 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. 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. South Mast Pond, 1696 (here, next to this marker); Brunel Saw Mill Canal Lock, 1812-14 (here, next

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to this marker); Mast Houses & Mould Loft (a few steps from this marker); No. 1 Smithery, 1808 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Timber Seasoning Sheds, 1774 (about 90 meters away); Propeller, RFA Reliant, c.1954 (about 90 meters away); Plate Bending Rolls, 1913 (about 90 meters away); Steam Hammer, 1955 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

More about this marker. Located in Historic Dockyard 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. North Mast Pond, 1702 & 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 360 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.