Ship Repairing Since 1839

An act of Parliament passed in 1749, after the great storm of 1748, gave approval for the construction of a new harbour at Ramsgate.

As far back as Roman times, Ramsgate was a busy port and fishing village, with nothing more than a wooden pier forming the harbour.

In 1820, King George IV having embarked along with the Royal Squadron at Ramsgate on his way to Hanover.  His appreciation of the hospitality he received was a decree that Ramsgate Harbour should have the right to add 'Royal' to its name.

Ramsgate Harbour Slipways, established in 1839 by Morton's of Edinburgh operated as such until the end of the First World War.  It was then that William Watkins acquired the local firm of Claxtons and established Ramsgate as a repair yard for their large fleet of tugs and continued as Claxton & Co Ltd as a predominately tug repair business until 1939 and the outbreak of the Second World War.

In 1942 the slipway was finally requisitioned by the Royal Navy and two further slipways were built by the Admiralty.

This status as a Royal Harbour is unique in mainland Britain, today the town and Royal Harbour still capture the hearts and imaginations of all who visit.

Ramsgate is still an important ferry port with links to the continent and boasts one of the finest Marinas in the South East, holding the prestigious 4 anchor award.