A5913

Engraving of a panoramic view of Rochester & Chatham Docks, presented to 2 sections, one above the other; viewed from Frindsbury windmill; details of the city's main buildings, Chatham dockyard; the ships are Navy vessels that have been 'laid up in ordinary', meaning that they have been stripped of their guns and most of the rigging apart from the lower masts. These were ships that were held in 'reserve', they could either be recommissioned in the event of a war, broken up for scrap, or 'hulked' (converted into store, hospital or prison ships). Mounted on card, presumably formerly on display.

James Collins

early 18th century, circa 1700

engraving of Rochester & Chatham

paper