Kent’s Biggest Heritage Event Returns!

Gillingham, Kent – 18–19 October 2025

The History Showcase Project proudly presents the Medway History Showcase, returning to the Royal Engineers Museum for a weekend packed with discovery, storytelling, and celebration of Medway’s rich and muddy past.

With over 40 exhibitors across two days, this is the largest gathering of history and heritage groups in Kent — and it’s bigger than ever. From medieval festivities to wartime connections, cryptids to dockyards, the Showcase offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned historian or simply curious about local lore.

Keynote Highlights

• Adam Taylor – The Muddies of the Medway
• Dr Martin Watts – Gallipoli 1915

Talks, Book Launches & More

• Toni Mount – A Medieval Christmas (Book Launch)
• Dr Diane Heath – The Cryptids in the Rochester Book of Beasts
• Jeremy Thornton – Sheerness Dockyard and its Medway Connection
• Sarah Nathaniel – CWGC and Medway
• Glen Jones – The Singapore Mutiny 1915
• Medway Council – NLHF-funded project presentation

Special Events

• Raffle hosted by Major-General John David Moore-Bick CBE, DL
• Meet the Friends of the Royal Engineers Museum
• RE Museum Talk (TBC)
• Highlanders Drill and Firing Display

Full Weekend Timetable:

Saturday:

• 1015:1030 Welcome – The Showcase Project Team.
• 1030:1115 Adam Taylor (Keynote) – The Medway Muddies.
• 1130:1145 Meet the Friends of the Royal Engineers Museum.
• 1145:1230 Dr Diane Heath – The Cryptids in the Rochester Book of Beasts.
• 1230:1330 Presentation by Medway Council on their NLHF-funded project.
• 1345:1430 Sarah Nathenial – CWGC and Medway
• 1445:1530 Glen Jones – The Singapore Mutiny 1915

Sunday:

·        1015:1100 Janys Thornton – Creatively Writing Women in Local History

·        1130:1215  Dr Martin Watts (Keynote) – Gallipoli 1915

·        1215:1315 Toni Mount – A Medieval Christmas, Book Launch.

·        1315:1400 Jeremy Thornton – Sheerness Dockyard and its Medway Connection

·        1430:1515 Talk TBC

·        1530:1600 Close and Raffle (Hosted by Major-General John David Moore-Bick CBE, DL)

Additional talks and activities run throughout both days — check social media for updates!

FREE Tickets are available via www.re-museum.co.uk

Whether you’re a history buff, heritage enthusiast, or just looking for a great day out, the Medway History Showcase is your chance to meet the makers, thinkers, and storytellers behind Medway’s fascinating legacy.

 ENDS