Victorian Ropery

Experience life as a rope maker in Victorian times in our themed gallery and costumed guided tour. The year is 1875, the dockyard’s latest battleship HMS Alexandra has recently been launched by the Princess of Wales and the Ropery is in full production….

Our entertaining 40 minute tour gives visitors an insight into why rope was so important to the Navy in the Age of Sail and how it was made by the rope makers of Chatham. Take the opportunity to make your own rope before entering the truly impressive ¼ mile long ropewalk – where rope is still made commercially today.

The Victorian Ropery Tour is included within the overall Historic Dockyard ticket price but it is only available on a timed ticket basis which must be booked on arrival at Visitor Admissions.  Numbers are limited by nature of the experience.

For those wishing to make a shorter visit to the Ropery, a 15 minute talk on the quarter mile long Ropewalk is available twice a day - at 1pm and 4pm. Entry is included in the dockyard admission price but tickets must be obtained on arrival due to its popularity.

This visit does not provide access to any other area of the Ropery complex.

Access to the Ropery is now only available through either the Victorian Ropery Tour or by going on one of our accompanied Ropewalk Visits.