Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has been awarded £245,063 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support essential conservation and restoration of the Commissioner’s House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. This funding is a vital step in the restoration project to preserve Britain’s oldest surviving naval residence while enhancing public access and engagement for visitors.
The funding will enable crucial preservation, including:
- Structural repairs: restoration of the roof, second floor, garret, and four chimneys, bringing derelict upper floors of the historic house back into use.
- Internal upgrades: repairs to fittings and updated mechanical and electrical services, including installing an energy-efficient heating system.
- Historic conservation: preservation of the Highmore/Thornhill ceiling painting, which was first commissioned by the Navy Board to be installed in the Great Cabin of HMS Royal Sovereign (a first-rate ship) in 1701. The painting depicts an assembly of the Roman Gods, where Neptune, the God of the Sea, is crowning Mars, the God of War.
- Enhanced public access: telling the story of the Commissioner’s House to visitors for the first time in the Trust’s 40-year history.
Once the official residence of the Dockyard Commissioner, the house played a pivotal role in British naval history. It oversaw the construction of ships like the HMS Victory and was a strategic hub during both World Wars.
This latest funding follows significant contributions, including a £2.3 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), administered by Arts Council England, as well as grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation (£250,000) and The Wolfson Foundation (£100,000).
Despite securing £2.9 million in grants, additional funding is needed to restore and repurpose the Commissioner’s House fully. The Trust is launching a public appeal, inviting individuals and businesses to contribute to this ambitious project.
Donations received will support reinforcements to the building’s structural stability, restoration of periodic architectural features, and a fully interpreted interior design to honour the house’s history. This will create a premium cultural hub and hospitality venue that will take pride of place in Medway and Kent.
Richard Morsley, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said, “Commissioner’s House is more than just a building, it is a living piece of history that tells the story of Britain’s naval past and its global impact. We are immensely grateful for the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors. However, to complete this ambitious transformation and preserve this unique building for future generations, we need the public’s help. Every contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in bringing this remarkable building back to life for future generations.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said, “We’re thrilled to support this project to restore the historic Commissioner’s House. We have supported Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust throughout its years of development, reigniting and celebrating the important maritime heritage on its doorstep. This latest project highlights our work within Medway as part of our 10-year commitment to help Medway’s heritage through our Heritage Places initiative.”
Phase one of the project will address the building’s structural stability through critical repairs, while phase two will see the Commissioner’s House transition into a hybrid museum and hospitality operation, opening its doors to the public for the first time. The re-launch is scheduled for Summer 2026, marking a new chapter in its celebrated history.
If you are interested in supporting the restoration or exploring opportunities for naming rights and recognition, please contact Hannane Ford, Development & Impact Manager.
Click here to discover more about Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.
