A major restoration milestone was recently celebrated at the Commissioner’s House in The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as partners, supporters and project teams gathered to mark the official topping out of the building and place a time capsule in its newly completed roof.
The Commissioner’s House, the oldest and most intact naval building in the country, is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration to secure its future. The topping out ceremony marks the completion of extensive roof works, including the installation of 14 new dormer windows, and takes the project a step closer to the House reopening in summer 2026.
The time capsule was placed by Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE DL, Chair of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and Lord Mendoza CBE, Chair of Historic England. It contains stories, photographs, contemporary materials and personal reflections from the team working on the project, as well as two special packs of playing cards designed by members of the public. These were created in response to a Jack of Spades card discovered during the restoration, dating between 1725 – 1750, when Commissioner Kempthorne lived in the House.
The capsule will remain hidden for 100 years, ready to be discovered by future custodians of the Dockyard.
Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “The Commissioner’s House has stood at the heart of the Dockyard for over three centuries. This restoration ensures it will continue to play a central role in the story of Chatham for many more years to come. We have uncovered fascinating historic finds during this project and placing a time capsule today is our way of adding to that story. Whilst we do not know what the Historic Dockyard will look like in 100 years’ time, our work ensures that the Dockyard continues to thrive into the future, telling our story and preserving this unique place for future generations.”
Lord Mendoza CBE, Historic England, said: “The Commissioner’s House is a remarkable survivor of our naval history and I’m pleased that Historic England has been able to provide extensive advice and support to aid the restoration of this nationally important scheduled monument and Grade I listed building. This work not only protects its historic fabric but, once complete, it will open it up to more people, allowing future visitors to the Historic Dockyard to appreciate its beauty and understand its significance. It is a privilege to be part of this milestone and to support a project that will safeguard its legacy for generations to come.”
The restoration of the Commissioner’s House forms part of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust’s long-term strategy of preservation through reuse and its ambition to be a world leading maritime heritage destination. Once complete, the Commissioner’s House will reopen as a premier hospitality destination, welcoming visitors, event guests and members of the community. For the first time, the House will also offer wider public access and feature new interpretation, sharing the stories of the resident Commissioners and the role the building played in the management and administration of the Dockyard.
This project has been made possible through the support of the Museum Estate and Development Fund, (Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) funding administered by Arts Council England), The Garfield Weston Foundation, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wolfson Foundation, and a number of other grant funders and individual donors.
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