Gillingham's History and Character

Gillingham was once an independent and separate borough with its own character and personality, but in 1998 it lost this separate identity when it joined Chatham, Rochester and Strood to become part of the unitary authority of Medway Council. Today, Gillingham's High Street stretches from the railway station to Medway Park.

The original settlement of Gillingham stood on the bank of the River Medway where today there is the Strand leisure park. Together with neighbouring Chatham, Gillingham was home for many servicemen and women.

The Navy's connection with the River Medway dates back to the sixteenth century and official records show that by 1547 storehouses had been acquired here, marking the establishment of a Royal Dockyard here at Gillingham.

A Photographic Tour

Join author John Clancy on a photographic tour of Gillingham and its environs, showcasing the area's many points of interest.