In 1923, the Emma Ernest, a 110 ft three-mast top sail schooner, and the last coal bearing sail only collier vessel to visit Whitstable, docked in Whitstable Harbour to unload its dusty cargo to railway wagons, for onward transportation along the Crab and Winkle line to Canterbury and beyond.

The Society is using a generous legacy left by Dr Brian Porter to construct a scale model of the Harbour as it was in 1923.

With the help of a talented nautical model maker, William Mowll, we are using archive research information, including drawings and photographs, to build an accurate and detailed model of the harbour and quayside.

It will include a representation of trains, wagons rolling stock, Thames Barges, Oyster Yawls, a selection of smaller boats and, of course, the Emma Ernest.

The model will be located on the upper level of Whitstable Harbour’s recently refurbished South Quay building. The fascinating display will be a major educational attraction, complete with supporting information specific to the Harbour.

There will be a grand opening of the model in early 2024.  We will announce the date as soon as possible.