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Thousands expected to visit Medway for Battle of Medway's 350th commemorations

Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit Medway in June to commemorate the battle, which one observer at the time described as “the most serious defeat our Navy has ever had in home waters.”

The Dutch launched a daring assault on the River Medway in June, 1667, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The British were trounced, but defeat led to a huge investment in ships and dockyard facilities, laying the foundations of British supremacy at sea for 200 years and contributing to economic success and the growth of the empire.

The 10-day commemorations, which will be held in June, will open with a tandem appearance of ships from the Royal Navy and Netherlands Royal Navy.

An exhibition at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard will bring together, for the first time, Dutch and British art, literature, historic manuscripts and objects which are on loan from a number of national and international museums.

The exhibition will include the original manuscript of John Evelyn’s diary, which is on loan from the British Library. Evelyn was a contemporary of Samuel Pepys and worked as a commissioner of the sick and hurt during the battle.

The commemorations will end with Medway in Flames on Saturday, June 17, at the battle site on the River Medway at Chatham, overlooked by Upnor Castle and the Historic Dockyard. This finale will include water screens, projections, characters, special effects and fireworks.

An artist's impression of the 350th anniversary celebrations
An artist's impression of the 350th anniversary celebrations

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Alan Jarrett said: “Lessons were learned after the invasion of the Dutch Navy and we went on to become the greatest naval power the world has ever seen.

“We have a fantastic future building on the opportunities by building Medway into a thriving waterfront city.”

Malcolm Wright, project director, said: “The Battle of Medway is a great story. It’s got heroes, villains burning ships, chains across the Medway, fighting, cannons. What more do you want? It also has a fascinating backstory.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council
Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council

“Today our relationship with our friends in the Netherlands couldn’t be stronger. We truly have gone from fire to friendship.

“In June we will welcome tens of thousands of visitors to Medway to help us mark this historic event.”

Frits de Ruyter de Wildt, a descendant of Lieut Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who led the Dutch fleet, has been heavily involved in organising the commemoration events.

Frits de Ruyter de Wildt, an ancestor of Lieutenant Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who led the Dutch fleet during the Battle of Medway
Frits de Ruyter de Wildt, an ancestor of Lieutenant Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who led the Dutch fleet during the Battle of Medway

He said: “It’s impressive that you as the party who were defeated commemorate, but almost celebrate, something that happened 350 years ago.

“You’ve turned this defeat into a blessing because we gave you the opportunity of rebuilding your fleet and having the best fleet for decades to come.”

The programme of events to mark the 350th anniversary will take place between June 8 and June 17.

For information visit www.medway.gov.uk/BoM or join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags #BoM350 #TNC350

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