Chatham, Kent

Chatham, Kent

Coordinates: 51°21′40″N 0°32′10″E / 51.3610°N 0.5362°E / 51.3610; 0.5362

Chatham

Chatham
Population 70,540 (2001 Census)
OS grid reference TQ765659
- London 33.12mi
Unitary authority Medway
Ceremonial county Kent
Region South East
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town CHATHAM
Postcode district ME4, ME5
Dialling code 01634
Police Kent
Fire Kent
Ambulance South East Coast
EU Parliament South East England
UK Parliament Chatham and Aylesford
List of places
UK
England
Kent

Chatham ( /ˈtʃætəm/ CHAT-əm) is one of the Medway towns located within the Medway unitary authority, in North Kent, in South East England.

Although the dockyard has long been closed and is now being redeveloped into a business and residential community as well as a museum featuring the famous submarine, HMS Ocelot, major naval buildings remain as the focus for a flourishing tourist industry. Chatham also has military connections; several Army barracks were located here, together with 19th-century forts which provided a defensive shield for the dockyard. Brompton Barracks, located in the town, remains the headquarters of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

The town has important road links and the railway and bus stations are the main interchanges for the area. It is the administrative headquarters of Medway unitary authority, as well as its principal shopping centre.

Read more about Chatham, Kent:  History, Governance, Geography, Demography, Economy, Landmarks, Transport, Religion, Education, Sports, Popular Culture, Notable People, Twin Towns