Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Pollock's shipyard was established in Faversham in 1916 by Walter Pollock. The site, on the western bank of Faversham Creek had previously been Perry's brickyard, and already had a 600-foot long wharf. Due to the narrowness of the waterway all but the smallest of vessels had to be launched sideways, causing a greater splash than stern-first launches. The yard became famous for building ships out of concrete, something necessitated by steel shortages during World War I. The shipyard was closed in 1970 after Pollocks went into liquidation. On the site today is housing, an industrial estate and a small boatyard.

Monument Types

• BOAT YARD (Modern - 1916 AD to 1970 AD)

Full description

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Site of Pollock's Boat Yard on the western side of Faversham Creek (1). Pollock's shipyard established Faversham 1916 by Walter Pollock on west bank of creek. Site had previously been Perry's brickyard, with 600' wharf still there. Narrowness of waterway meant that all but smallest vessels had to be launched sideways. This causes a greater splash than more common stern-first launches. Steel shortages in First World War meant other materials for shipbuilding had to be found. Pollocks therefore became famous for building ships out of concrete. Due to the rising cost of the materials in the 1960s Pollocks went into liquidation in 1970. Today the majority of the site has been given over to housing and a small industrial estate, though a small boatyard does also occupy part of the site. (2) Additional references. (3) (4) Geotechnical report for former Pollock's shipyard, Upper Brents, Faversham. Modern (C20th) metals, cable, brick, steel beams, concrete in 'unstable' condition found.(5)

<1> Eve, D., 1999, A guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Kent, I36 (Monograph). SWX9293.

<2> Salmon, Anne
John Potter, 1992, Sideways Launch (Monograph). SKE13188.

<3> Taylor, Frank, 2002, A History of Faversham & Oare Creeks and the Faversham Navigation (Monograph). SKE13189.

<4> Salmon, Anne
John Potter, 1995, A Splash from Faversham (Article in monograph). SKE13190.

<5> Foundation and Exploration Services, 2000, Geotechnical Report for former Pollack's Shipyard (Unpublished document). SKE13127.

Sources and further reading