Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

The barge buildng yard at Conyer began with John Bird in 1866 but prior to this the site had been used for the construction of fishing smacks. After a long and varied history building barges, canal boats and lighters and, during World War 1, submarine boom components, the yard closed in 1945. The site in 2004 was occupied by apartment buildings.

Monument Types

• SHIPYARD (closed after 1945, Post Medieval to Modern - 1866 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

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Construction and repair of fishing smacks and oyster boats was carried out at Conyer before the advent of barge building under John Bird, who arrived shortley before 1866. Bird continued operating at Conyer until 1890, building barges of rarely more than 45 tons at an irregular rate, totalling over 30 plus some lighters. In 1890 Alfred Marconi White took over the yard (son of a Sittingbourne Barge builder). The largest barge to be built at Conyer was the Olympia, of 90', built in 1902. The shed in which she was constructed had its end wall cut through to allow for her length. After a fire in the sheds the yard was rebuilt in 1908. The yard was engaged in war related work from 1915, constructing submarine boom components. Between the wars the yard did not return to sailing barge construction but built lighters and canal boats. During WW2 canal barges for Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Works were built but motorising and repair work became the staple after 1945. Upon closing the yard became a pleasure boat repair centre and club (1). Site is also indicated on 1st, 2nd and 3rd eds OS map (2-4). Site photograph (5-11).

The yard was subject to a historic building survey in 1998 (13)

The area is now occupied by apartment buildings, not clear how much of original yard buildings remain. Some of the original buildings may have been converted to residential use? (12)

<1> DL Sattin, Barge Building and Barge Builders of the Swale, Page Nos. 77-107 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6459.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1858-73, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 1st Edition : 1872-1897 (Map). SWX11831.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1893-7, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 2nd edition : 1893-1898 (Map). SWX11832.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1905-10, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 3rd edition: 1901-1912 (Map). SWX11833.

<5> 1994, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11339.

<6> 1994, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11340.

<7> 1994, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11341.

<8> 1994, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11342.

<9> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9539.

<10> 1982, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11337.

<11> 1982, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11338.

<12> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: Phase ll: Field Assessment Year Two Report (Unpublished document). SWX12323.

<13> Philp B, 2001, Barge Building Sheds at Conyers Creek, Teynham (Article in serial). SKE54752.

Sources and further reading