Buckler’s Hard

Shipyard Trust

An Educational Charity

The Shipbuilding Story

From 1204 it is thought that there was boatyard at Buckler’s Hard, where the tidal water does not dry out and ships would have stopped with their heavy loads going upstream.

Volunteer With Us

We are looking for new people to join our passionate team. Could you have the skills to help tell the story of Buckler’s Hard and continue to educate and inspire people?

Forthcoming Events

Find out what is going at Buckler’s Hard including open days, historical talks, events, and exhibitions. Find out more about how you can make the most of a visit.

The Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust is an educational charity founded in March 2025 to educate about the art and craft of wooden shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard.

Mary Montagu-Scott (Chair of the Trustees)

Please Support the Charity & Our Work

As an educational charity we rely entirely on donations and sponsorship. Please consider a donation towards the many aspects of our work and projects.

Donate or Sponsor

Learn About the History of Buckler’s Hard

Buckler’s Hard was once one of the most prolific private shipyards in the UK, building ships for the Royal Navy between 1745 and 1814. Fifty ships in total were built here, most under the command of Master Shipwright Henry Adams. Ships built under his watch included such famous names as HMS Agamemnon, Swiftsure, Euryalas, and Spencer. The last ship to the built for the Royal Navy at Buckler’s Hard was the HMS Towey, in 1814.

But there’s so much more to the history of Buckler’s Hard…

Read the Full History