In conversation with… Richard Holdsworth, Former Director of Heritage
09 Jul 2026
This illustrated talk and discussion marks the completion of the restoration of Commissioner’s House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Britain’s oldest intact naval building. It will explore how our understanding of this historic building developed during the Trust’s project to restore this remarkable Ancient Monument, examine the role of the Resident Commissioner and look at how the building’s shape and form changed over the years as individual Commissioner’s left their mark on the House as tastes and fashions changed.
Richard joined Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in 1985 as the Dockyard’s first Curator. Over the following 36 years he served as the Trust’s Museum & Heritage Director and Director of Preservation & Education before retiring in 2021 as the Trust’s Director of Heritage, Public Engagement and Learning. He was awarded an MBE for Services to Heritage in Kent in 2009.
Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited. Tickets must be booked in advance.
| Date | Thursday 9 July 2026 |
| Location | The Commissioner’s House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham |
| Time | Arrival from 5.30pm for a 6pm start. The Mess Deck will be open for drinks and snacks prior to the talk. |
| Booking | Talks are FREE to attend but we ask that you book in advance. |
