Other Attractions
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is home to a number of tenants and smaller exhibits that are open to visitors. The Dockyard is not responsible for them or their opening times so if you are planning to visit a specific attraction or business it’s best to check in advance.
RNXS Museum
The Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) was formed, or more accurately, reformed, from the Royal Naval Minewatching Service in 1962 in response to the nuclear threat to United Kingdom ports. Auxiliary-men were to be readily available to assist in the tasks of evacuating major ports and despatching larger and faster merchant vessels overseas. The remaining ships, together with important port plant, were to be dispersed to safe anchorages along the coasts or in the islands. The sailing of merchantmen overseas involved setting up assembly anchorages where ships might be formed into convoys, a naval escort or surveillance arranged and information provided on routing, intelligence and communications.
This exhibition is unique as it is the only RNXS museum in existence and as such, is the national museum of the RNXS. Chatham Historic Dockyard Volunteer Service (CHDVS) was formed by members of the Thames and Medway division of the RNXS when the RNXS disbanded. CHDVS work very closely with Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust to undertake restoration projects and activities which supports the Trust.
CHDVS is seeking new volunteers to assist with these projects. More information on volunteering with CHDVS can be obtained from Alan Bates OBE on 01634 813073
Kent Police Museum
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A major new exhibit at the Kent Police Museum is a 1930's Police Box. As iconic items in police history, these boxes were an important part of policing in the 20th century. This particular type of Police Box which is made from concrete with wooden doors is also known to many people as the “Tardis” in the BBC series ‘Dr Who’. It comes from Glasgow, but Kent also had them in the Borough forces in the same style. There is only one other left which is owned by the Civil Defence and Emergency Services Preservation Trust from which this one also came.
During the years that these boxes were in operation, they were used as a means of communication between the local Police station and the “Bobby on the Beat” – when the station wanted to get in contact with the ‘policeman on the ground’ the light at the top would flash and a repeater also flashed inside the box. The telephone inside could also be used by the general public to contact the police station on a direct telephone link.
The ‘Tardis’ police box had many uses – the policeman on the beat could take refreshment breaks inside and even keep a prisoner until further help arrived!
There was also a small safe and a First Aid Kit inside.
The box at the Kent Police Museum will have a perspex shield just inside the door to enable visitors to see what it was like inside.
Kent Police Museum is open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Among its collection is the world's largest working padlock as certified by The Guinness Book of Records and the pickled scalp of a manager from the Blue Moon Chinese Restaurant in Chatham. The scalp was found outside the restaurant after a kitchen worker went mad with a meat cleaver!
Motorbikes, seized weapons and uniforms are also on display.
For further information please call 01634 403260 or click here to visit the Kent Police Museum website|
PS Kingswear Castle
Britain's last coal-fired Paddle Steamer, Kingswear Castle, operates from Thunderbolt Pier at The Historic Dockyard during the summer months. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket to cruise the River Medway which can be purchased when you arrive which can be included in your entry to the site. Special group rates are available. For further information please telephone 01634 827648 or visit www.pskc.freeserve.co.uk|