When built in 1838 3 Slip was Europe’s largest wide span timber structure. Today, its dramatic and awe-inspiring wooden roof structure makes it one of Britain’s most impressive historic buildings.
Constructed to the design of Sir Robert Seppings, Surveyor to the Navy Board, the Slip’s cantilevered frame is a remarkable tribute to the skills of the Royal Engineers and dockyard workers who erected it. The semi-circular 'apsidal' end was shaped to match that of a ship’s bow.
In 1904 a large mezzanine floor was inserted and the Slip became a store for ships’ boats. The mezzanine now makes a superb platform from which to view the amazing roof - new stairs and a lift make it fully accessible to all visitors.
The partnership between the local hub museum and Kent’s Designated Museum has
allowed both museums to greatly increase the public’s access to their collections. In the case of the RE Museum, all of their large vehicle collection is now on display.
Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “Number 3 Covered Slip is a truly iconic building. In today’s society where things seem to need to be ‘shiny and new’ to be seen as important, today’s opening to the public of one of the country’s truly great architectural treasures is a landmark for Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and one that should focus attention on truly great heritage.”
The project has been carried out under the aegis of Renaissance South East's Regional Museum Hub, and has been funded with the generous support of Renaissance South East, MLA, DCMS Wolfson Museum and Gallery Improvement Fund, European Union Interreg III and Royal Engineers.
