THE ROPERY
Rope has been made at Chatham Dockyard for over for 400 years, miles upon miles of rope that has rigged the mightiest vessels ever to take to sea, including Nelson’s VICTORY.
the ropery
showing you the ropes
Today Chatham is the only one of the original four Royal Navy Ropeyards to remain in operation and, together with its related buildings, forms the finest integrated group of 18th century manufacturing buildings in Britain.
The ancient craft of rope making still takes place daily, using traditional techniques mastered centuries ago. We call these special artisan craftsmen and women the Master Ropemakers.
Visit The Ropery Gallery for an atmospheric journey through the lives of Ropery workers, past and present, before stepping out onto the iconic ropewalk and witnessing ropemaking in action.
Immersive film, hands-on interactives, and displays, including a vast collection of ropemaking and rope related objects from the Des and Liz Pawson Rope Collection, tell the story of rope and its place in British history.
Accessibility
We have worked with AccessAble to create individual access guides to our galleries and spaces. These guides give you the detailed information you need to work out if a space is going to be accessible to you.
The Ropery Access Guide
Parking, Entrance, Ticket Office & Shop Guide
Changing Places & Accessible Toilets Guide
Getting Around Guide
ROPERY EXPERIENCE
Duration
30 Mins
TIME
Booked on arrival
Days
7 days a week
Location
The Ropery
Description
Be transported back in time during our 30-minute Ropery Experience. Learn about the ancient art of ropemaking, its vital role in supporting Chatham’s shipbuilding and discover why our enormous double ropewalk is ¼ mile long. You’ll also have the opportunity to get hand-on with our ropemaking machine, before exploring the breath-taking ropery buildings.
Live Rope Making DEMONSTRATION
Duration
30 Mins
TIME
12:15pm
Days
Monday – Friday
Location
Ropewalk
Description
Rope has been made at Chatham for over 400 years and it continues to be made today for customers all over the world. Witness the craft of ropemaking for yourself during our live demonstrations by the Master Ropemakers.
created today, mastered 400 years ago
Master ropemakers
Master Ropemakers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, continues to use the skills and tradition of 400 years of rope making to supply today’s business and leisure markets.
In some cases their use has changed little in 400 years, with Master Ropemakers supplying many of the world’s historic sailing ships with their rope needs – from GANNET, CUTTY SARK and VICTORY in Britain, to the Australian barque ENDEAVOUR.
Master Ropemakers also supplies a wide range of non-maritime customers – from aviaries to zoos. Customers include film production companies, theatres, interior designers, garden designers, sports clubs & gymnasiums, adventure playgrounds, churches and cricket clubs.
Explore our ranges
Why not take a piece of history home and purchase a special gift handmade by our master craftsmen and women? Every purchase made helps to keep the Ropery alive.
Bloggs & Articles
Related stories
Dive a little deeper into The Ropery with our blogs and articles.
Not to be missed …
Other attractions
Don’t miss out on experiencing the other attractions and galleries as part of your visit to the Historic Dockyard.
Join the conversation
Share your day with us using hashtag #DockyardChatham
Twitter: @DockyardChatham FB:@historic.chatham
