Woolwich Naval Dockyard

Shipbuilding was carried out at Woolwich from 1512-1869, when the size of the ships and the shallowness of the River Thames led to its closure. At it's largest the site covered 56 acres and some of its features are preserved, buildings, slipways and dry docks being visible.
After the Royal Navy withdrew from the site it was taken over by the British Army, being adjacent to the Royal Arsenal and used as the main storage depot for overseas garrisons and expeditions. It continued to be used through the First and Second World Wars although its use diminished through threat of aerial bombardment. The Army continued to use the site in some capacity until the final unit left in 1966.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward
• Royal Arsenal History
• Royal Museums Greenwich