Historical Environment
The Medway and Swale Estuary is rich in remains that reflect its past, particularly it's commercial, maritime and military history. The zone of mudflats and saltmarsh is a rich source of archaeological finds that give an insight into earlier times in the area, especially since medieval times.
Early fish traps and weirs have been discovered off Shellness, and oyster pits at Windmill Creek. Salt pans and other saltworkings sites existed all over The Swale from the late Iron Age to the post-medieval period. Ancient causeways which crossed the Swale are known at several places. The hulks of barges and other craft can be found on the Medway-Swale area.
The area is known to have been heavily populated in Roman times and many sites of Roman kilns have been found at Upchurch and along the Medway. The brick and cement industry continues in the area today.
Faversham has been an important site for the manufacture of gunpowder since the 16th century and has suffered from regular explosions over the years.
Historically, the Estuary has seen a concentration of military installations protecting the country, especially
Fort Amhurst, Chatham
