Ropemaking has returned to The Historic Dockyard in Chatham after taking its first enforced break in the trade's 400-year history at the site.

Lockdown restrictions forced the Master Ropemakers Ltd to close its operation in March.

But as the measures are eased, the ropemakers have this week returned to work.

Alex Rowling, manager at Master Ropemakers, said: “We are living in unprecedented times, closing the ropewalk and stopping the manufacture of rope has never happened in Chatham’s long history.

"Whilst the safety of our team is a priority, we’re incredibly pleased government restrictions have started to ease and we’re able to start making rope once again.”

Rope was first made at Chatham in the 18th century and it is the only one of the original four Royal Navy ropeyards to remain in operation.

The company operating today is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and continues to use the skills and traditions of 400-years of rope making to supply businesses and leisure markets across the world.

Clients range from schools, churches and sports clubs to theatres, film production companies and garden designers as well as continuing to supply historic sailing ships, such as HMS Victory, HMS Gannet, Cutty Sark and Endeavour.

Alex Rowling added: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience during our closure and we look forward to re-connecting with existing clients and reaching out to new ones. Commercial orders help to keep the ropery alive and we urge everyone to support local businesses, like ours, during these challenging times.”

The wider Historic Dockyard Chatham site remains closed to visitors and public tours of the Victorian ropery are currently not available.

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