Lost Chatham

Chatham, located on the River Medway in Kent, has undergone significant changes over the years, with buildings lost, shops, chapels, and residences removed due to road projects. The town's history as a former military-industrial complex is evident, with the barracks demolished and the Georgian naval dockyard now a museum and heritage center. Lost Chatham presents a photographic history of this area over the last century to recent decades, showcasing industries, buildings, people, and street scenes that have radically changed or disappeared.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Chatham, situated along the River Medway in Kent, has undergone significant transformations over the years. The town, which grew up around its naval dockyard, army barracks, and fortifications, has seen its landscape change dramatically. Buildings have been lost, once occupied by artisans and laborers, shops, chapels, and residences have been demolished to make way for extensive road projects. In addition, cinemas and theatres have been replaced or redeveloped, further altering the town's face.

One cannot overlook Chatham's history as a former military-industrial complex. The town's barracks have been demolished, and its Georgian naval dockyard, which has also seen considerable change, now serves as a museum and heritage center. Lost Chatham offers a poignant portrait of this area of North Kent over the past century to recent decades. It showcases not only the industries and buildings that have vanished but also the people and street scenes that have been lost. The book captures many popular places of entertainment, as well as other aspects of daily life, that have been forgotten or overshadowed by time.

This fascinating photographic history of lost Chatham will appeal to a wide audience. Residents of the area, who have witnessed these changes firsthand, will find it a valuable resource for reminiscing about the past. Additionally, those who have only heard about Chatham or have memories of it from previous decades will be captivated by the images and stories presented in the book. Lost Chatham serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. It encourages us to appreciate the places and experiences that have shaped our communities and to be mindful of the changes that continue to unfold around us.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 233 x 165 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398115545