Chatham Ropery

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The Ropery consists of Hemp Houses (1728 extended 1812), Yarn Houses and a double Rope House with attached Hatchelling House. The Ropery is still in use being operated by Master Ropemakers Ltd.
The Double Rope House has spinning on the upper floors and ropemaking ( a ropewalk) on the ground floor. It is 346m (1135 ft) long, and when constructed was the longest brickbuilt building in Europe capable of laying a 1000ft rope. Over 200 men were required before 1836, to make and lay a 20in (circumference) cable. All was done by hand. Steam power in the form of a beam engine was introduced in 1836, and then electricity in the early 1900s.
The White Yarn House to store the yarn before it was tarred to prevent rot.
The Tarring House with its 'Tar Kettle' and horse drawn winch.
The Black Yarn House to store the tarred yarn. The tarring process declined as manila replaced hemp, and sisal replaced manila. These fibres were chemically protected at the hatchelling stage and tarring stopped in the 1940s.

Rope making at the Historic Dockyard Chatham is an important part of its heritage. Rope has been made here for over 400 years, and is the last part of the working dockyard still performing its original function as the ropewalk continues to produce rope for commercial sale. The rope making facility is a fascinating visitor experience. Master Ropemakers (Trading) Limited is a quasi-commercial operation, with all profits gifted to the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.