On 23 February 2024, at the South Quay Shed, Whitstable Harbour, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Councillor Jean Butcher, opened a permanent exhibition of a model of the harbour as it was in 1923, in the presence of many significant members of the Whitstable community and Rosie Duffield, the local MP.
A generous legacy by the late Dr Brian Porter enabled the Canterbury Commemoration Society to construct the model. The Society used archive research information, including drawings and photographs, to build an accurate and detailed model of the harbour and quayside. The model includes a representation of trains, wagons, rolling stock, Thames Barges, Oyster Yawls, some smaller boats, and the Emma Ernest, the last coal-bearing sail-only collier to visit Whitstable.
It is supported by a range of smaller exhibits (including a ship’s bell) and a range of excellent information panels.
Dr Porter’s legacy intention was to rebuild the early 19thcentury harbour chimney. The chimney was repurposed to a lighthouse late that century, but was sadly demolished in 1967. Unfortunately logistical issues precluded Dr Porter’s specific wishes being realised. Instead, acknowledging his intent, the exhibition includes a scale 1:10 model of the chimney structure.
Stewart Ross, the chair of the Society, said “the Commemoration Society is the only charity uniquely devoted to enhancing the stunning heritage of Canterbury and the surrounding district, including Whitstable. We were delighted to be given this exciting project. The striking exhibit will be a major tourist and educational attraction for all ages. Please visit it!”.
The model is open every day, free of charge to view, on the mezzanine floor of the South Quay Shed.
