From Roman times to the twentieth century, Standard Quay in Faversham, Kent was integral to the fortunes of the town. It’s value for the discharge and loading of cargoes helping it to become central to the economy of the area.
By the nineteenth century, the quay had become the site of one of Faversham’s shipyards, where in the space of 40 years 25 Thames Barges were built. These barges were classic working boats laden with cargo ranging from bricks to hay, mud to munitions, grain, rubbish and coal. However, these days the remaining few are mostly privately owned or run by small commercial charter companies.
Despite the decline in the number of barges sailing the Thames Estuary, Standard Quay (Faversham) Ltd was formed in 1993 in order to preserve the town’s boat building heritage and it’s link to the sea. As a result, it is presently one of only two sites in the country with the facilities, and skills, to look after the historic boats. Unfortunately, the quay and company are now threatened, as the owner has not renewed the lease and plans to redevelop the area.
Desperate to save not only their livelihoods, but also the skills and traditions that have been in evidence on the quay for over one hundred years, the small number of shipwrights and apprentices that work there are fighting through the local council to keep Faversham’s maritime history alive.
