As mentioned on BBC Radio 2 on the Chris Evans Show!
We’ve been showing people the ropes for generations. Rope has been made on the Ropery at Chatham Dockyard for almost 400 years. Miles upon miles of rope that has rigged the mightiest vessels ever to take to sea, including Nelson’s HMS Victory, has been made on our Ropewalk.
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 crafstmen and women the MASTER ROPEMAKERS.
Master Ropemakers is a traditional manufacturing company offering bespoke design and manufacture. From garden projects and home renovations (time to install a new home gym?) to dog leads and artwork, visit the Master Ropemakers website or give us a call (01634 823890) to discuss your requirements. Next day delivery is available.
Master Ropemakers Ltd. is open for business. The ropewalk wheels are back in motion and after a short break, ropemaking has recommenced on the rope walk (as of 8 June). The team is operating within the latest COVID-19 government safety requirements and are ready and waiting for your rope orders.
We are processing all orders received during closure and hope to have them with you shortly – thank you for your patience.
Your custom helps to keep the Ropery alive and we urge you to support local businesses during these challenging times.
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. Our customers include film production companies, theatres, interior designers, garden designers, sports clubs & gymnasiums, adventure playgrounds, churches and cricket clubs.
Get roped in
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust welcomes the news that museums and visitor attractions are able to reopen to visitors from 4 July.
We are actively planning to welcome visitors back to the Dockyard as soon as we are safely able to do so but this will be some time after 4 July.
We will make a further announcement to confirm the exact date as soon as we can.
In the meantime, much of Dockyard life has never stopped. Master Ropemakers has started operating again and we are taking forward bookings for filming, group travel and hospitality, including weddings. Call the Midwife Official Location Tours will resume shortly.
We would like to thank all our visitors for their understanding during this challenging period.
Last updated: 25 June 2020