Saturday, 1 February 2014

The Historic Dockyards, Chatham, Kent - Part 1

Looking back to August here we are taking Grandson Oliver to this most interesting and historic place. There is far more to do here than one can manage in a day and even the day we spent here with Oliver is going to take up several posts. Even after several visits over the years, we never find it boring.
There is quite a Maritime history in my family.
both Grandfathers and one Great Grandfather were in the navy.
My Father was at sea for a time during the war. My son was for a time in the Royal Navy, my husband was in the Merchant Navy and I went to sea with him.

My photos were taken on my phone (a life saver)
Could you believe I left my camera at home


HMS Cavalier - a world war 2 Destroyer


the ratings sleeping quarters take up every nook and cranny



Here the dining seats on the right would turn into beds
Note the Hammocks


You can see by the slope that these double bunks are right against the bulk head 









map room



Officers Mess


Captain's room


an officer's bedroom


where it all happens



Oliver on the bridge


A fun thing on this ship is that it can be used for youth groups to spend a night here. They pay £25 for 'bed' or Hammock and breakfast in the restaurant.
http://www.thedockyard.co.uk/Home
For anyone interested the above site is full of history and information
More to come!
Next time we will take you down into a submarine 

14 comments:

Vee said...

Oh my claustrophobia would be in full forward there. Does Oliver think he'd like to be a sailor man?

Terri said...

We toured the USS North Carolina in it's final resting place in Wilmington, NC with our kids and grands. It was a battle ship - so big, and under decks were very dark.
Thanks for sharing your tour. It brings back some great memories.
Hugs

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Nice to see the inside of that ship. I've never been on one before. It's quite nice and I bet your grandson loved seeing everything.

Bernideen said...

Oliver looks right at home!

Lorrie said...

What an interesting place to visit. Will Oliver be following in the family footsteps for a life on the sea?

Balisha said...

I have a new blog address...please come visit so I know it's working.

http://simplybalisha.blogspot.com/

Sue Seibert said...

Love these photos. I take a lot with my phone. Great photos of your grandson!

Gracie Saylor said...

Captain Oliver seems to enjoy being at the helm :)

CherryPie said...

This brings back memories, I remember my visit to the Dockyard :-)

Yes I can believe you left your camera at home because in the past I have done that too ;-)

Kath said...

Beautiful and interesting pics :-)

Anonymous said...

Very different pictures of inside this ship which many people would never be able to see without you posting them. Luckily you had a good charge on your phone.
I don't think I would get much sleep onboard, but I'm sure Oliver loved every minute and would probably have no trouble at all going to sleep in there.
Many thanks from,
Audrey.

nikkipolani said...

You did an admirable job with just a phone camera! What a wonderful place to visit with what seems like endless variety and points of interest!

La Petite Gallery said...

I have never seen all this, Thanks so much. It was nicer that I imagined.
Well I just shoveled out snow it was 8 inches at least. Be well and warm..
yvonne

Come Away With Me said...

That must have been a fun day for Oliver. So much to see and explore.