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These youtube video links are kindly shared by John Jones of the Sheppey Heritage Trail

Captains and Admirals. Along the streets of Queenborough, Blue Town and Sheerness walked all of England’s greatest seafarers, captains and admirals.

D-day Minesweepers. They lead the fleet! Minesweepers from Wildfire III, Queenborough lead the Allied Invasion fleet to the D-day, Normandy beaches.

Dead Man’s Island. Across the Swale, at Queenborough, there is a small island which holds a grisly secret. With good reason, the Island is called Dead Man’s Island.

Dunkirk a Legend is Born. Every available ship was sent from Queenborough and Sheerness to Dunkirk. The number was astonishing and included more than 100 motor boats, 10 lighters, 7 skoots, 6 paddle steamers, Destroyers, Mine Sweepers and Patrol Craft.

Dunkirk Roll of Honour. Sheerness and Queenborough Ships at Dunkirk. All were repeatedly bombed, strafed and shelled.

First chemical factory was built at Queenborough. In 1361, at the dawn of the Gunpowder age, years ahead of its time, the First Concentrically built castle was constructed at Queenborough. It would be another 171 years until the next was built.

First concentrically designed castle was built at Queenborough. In 1361, at the dawn of the Gunpowder age, years ahead of its time, the First Concentrically built castle was constructed at Queenborough. It would be another 171 years until the next was built.

First purpose war-time built motor mine sweepers go to Wildfire III, Mine Sweeper Base at Queenborough. So vital was the work of the Wildfire III, Mine Sweeper base at Queenborough, in keeping open the Thames Estuary, that the first newly built MMS’s went to Queenborough.

First ship to complete a round trip during the evacuation of Dunkirk was the Sheerness ship HMS Mona’s isle. Royal Naval Base HMS Wildfire (Sheerness) and HMS Wildfire III (Queenborough) played a significant part at Dunkirk, rescuing 21,281 troops.

First ships to arrive at the D-day beaches were the Wildfire III, Queenborough Mine Sweepers.

HMS Monarda, the story of just one of the many Sheerness and Queenborough vessels which rescued troops from Dunkirk.

HMS Wildfire III, Royal Navy Mine Sweeper Base, Queenborough. In May 1939, four months before the outbreak of World War Two, the Admiralty began to requisition vessels suitable to be converted into minesweepers. The HMS Wildfire III, Minesweeper Base was established at Queenborough.

King James II fled to Sheppey and hid at Neats Court and Kings farm. He was caught by the militia, taken to Faversham and then to London. In fear of his life, he again fled to Sheppey and escaped to France on a Queenborough fishing smack.

Lady Emma Hamilton. Local people believe Admiral Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton lived in a house close to Queenborough Church where they attended services.

Queen Elizabeth I. To whom Sheppey was a favourite. Stationed her ships at Queenborough. Walked down Queenborough High Street. Stayed at Queenborough Castle. Got stuck in the mud in Stickfast Lane. Owned property on the Island of Sheppey. Visited Shurland Hall. And took an interest in the Mayors trousers!

Queen Elizabeth’s Fleet. Queen Elizabeth I kept her fleet at Queenborough in case of war but would also leased out her ships to privateers who would raid Spanish ships. She would expect a large cut of the profits in return.

Queen Philippa. Queen Philippa was said to be “gentle, good, charming and sweet of nature.” The town of Queenborough was named after her.

Queenborough. When you walk along Queenborough High Street you walk in the footsteps of Kings, Queens and hero’s.

Sheerness Lines and Queenborough Lines, the moat and canal, were built to protect the Sheerness Royal Dockyard from attack from landward.

Sheppey Light Railway, running from Queenborough Mainline Railway Station to Leysdown, was opened on the 1 August 1901. Almost 50 years after it opened, on the 2 December 1950 Sheppey light railway was closed.

The last earthworks to be built in Britain was Queenborough lines. (the Canal)

The Mayors Trousers. Queen Elizabeth arrived unannounced at Queenborough as was her practice. The mayor, a thatcher by trade, on hearing of the arrival of the Queen rushed down his ladder to meet her. In doing so he split is trousers.