Victorian Anchor Trials

For over 4,000 years the anchor has been a safety device and an iconic symbol of our maritime past.Anchors are universal they have been with us for over 4,000 years.

Every civilisation uses anchors. Anchors were the first safety device used by man.

The development of technology can be traced through anchors. From a stone and a piece of string to the huge and varied designs used on massive ships and small boats.

Yet the only place in the world that tested anchor design was Sheerness Dockyard.

In 1852, anchors were put through a series of scientific trails to find out how and why they worked.

These trials were recorded by the London Illustrated News and a print of this forms the basis of or display, which is enhanced by the anchors outside the building in Blue Town.

We are working with the Big Anchor project to raise the profile of the anchor and its importance to the development of mankind.

For over 4,000 years the anchor has been a safety device and an iconic symbol of our maritime past.