What Goes on in Sheerness

By Simon Haughtone

Sheerness is found in Kent on the Isle of Sheppey. It was originally founded in the 16th century when a fort was built to protect the nearby river from any naval invasions. A Royal Navy Dockyard was created in 1669 where the Navy ships could be repaired and stock up on provisions. This dockyard was in use until 1960.

Sheerness eventually gained a reputation as a popular seaside resort as a promenade and pier was built in the 19th century. The town experienced little rain and a lot of sun and it was easily reached by train or steamboat. Since the dockyard closed the m ain industry has changed to being the largest port for motor imports in the UK.

Sheerness has several different windmills that have been important throughout the town's history. The smock mill was built in 1813 though it later burned to the ground in 1862. There was a small tower mill called the Hundred Acre Mill of which the base can still be seen today though it was demolished in 1878.

Another smock mill, the Great Mill, was demolished in 1924 but a replica of the mill body has since been rebuilt and houses flats. The fourth mill was supposedly a vertical axle windmill.

The Port at Sheerness contributes as a significant part of the town's economy. Besides importing foreign cars it also brings in tons of meat and fruit products form around the globe. The rail network makes it easy to transport the goods throughout the UK and it also attaches the port to other nearby industries such as sausages, pharmaceuticals, garden gnomes and steel.

The one beach at Sheerness has been aware a European Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness. There are flower gardens up and down the seafront and the Leisure Complex is close to the beach and contains tennis courts, a swimming pool, squash courts and badminton.

Find your next Sheerness hotel: here.