Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is delighted to announce it has been awarded £350,000 in grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation, designated for the preservation of Commissioner’s House, the oldest intact naval residence in the country.
This crucial funding includes a £250,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation alongside a £100,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation, both towards the cost of restoration and interpretation of the Grade I listed Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Preserving a national treasure
Built in 1704 for Captain George St Lo, Commissioner’s House remains largely unchanged for over three centuries. As the official residence of the Dockyard Commissioner, the house played a pivotal role in British Naval history, overseeing the construction of iconic ships like HMS VICTORY and serving as a strategic hub during both World Wars. Among its many treasures, the house features an exquisite ceiling painting attributed to Highmore and Thornhill, depicting an assembly of the gods, with Mars crowning Neptune —a piece originally from HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
A vision for the future
The Commissioner’s House restoration project will safeguard the building’s historic fabric, protect its exhibits and collections, and improve its sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint. Enhancing physical access and broadening public engagement are also key outcomes of the project.
Richard Morsley, Chief Executive, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “We are incredibly thankful to both Foundations for their generous grants. Commissioner’s House is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture and sits proudly within the Historic Dockyard estate, which is home to over 100 historic buildings and structures, including 47 Scheduled Ancient Monuments – the largest concentration in Kent. This funding is vital in helping us preserve these important heritage assets for future generations.”
A transformation project
This latest funding follows a £2.3m grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), administered by Arts Council England. Phase 1 of the project will focus on urgent restoration and preservation requirements whilst phase 2 will bring Commissioner’s House into hybrid operation of hospitality and museum use, opening public access to the House for the very first time.
The adaptive reuse as a hospitality venue aligns with national trends in preserving industrial heritage through innovative and entrepreneurial ways, ensuring the House is repurposed for contemporary needs whilst maintaining its historical character.
The re-launch of Commissioner’s House is scheduled for Summer 2026, promising to add another chapter to its celebrated history.
For further information see: https://thedockyard.co.uk/our-charity/support-us/commissioners-house-restoration-project/
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