About the Medway Queen Preservation Society (MQPS)

PS Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier by Martin Goodhew

The Medway Queen Preservation Society’s formal title is New Medway Steam Packet Co. which was the original company under which Medway Queen sailed as an excursion steamer. The MQPS is based in the Medway area of Kent and draws support throughout the UK and from around the world.  They are a volunteer-led society, but employ professional help or contractors where appropriate in the restoration of the Medway Queen.

After many years of hard work, the society secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund to rebuild the ship's hull and establish a base and workshop at Gillingham Pier.  The hull rebuild was undertaken in Bristol and completed in late 2013.  Medway Queen was towed back to Gillingham and is now moored at Gillingham Pier where she can be visited.

The Society aims to restore the ship and in so doing support all sections of the local community in the field of education and much more.

About the Medway Queen
The Medway Queen was launched in 1924 and entered service on Thames estuary routes in July of that year.  She was an important part of the tourist scene until war was declared, when she was used as a minesweeper, as HMS Medway Queen, and worked to keep the seaways clear.  She is also famous for her seven trips to Dunkirk in 1940.

HMS Medway Queen. Memories of Dunkirk, by Richard Halton

After the war the ship returned to her excursion route until September 1963.  One highlight was taking part in the Spithead Coronation Review in 1953.  From 1966 until 1974 she hosted the “Medway Queen Club” on the Isle of Wight before being returned to the Medway, in derelict condition, for preservation in 1984.

The Medway Queen Preservation Society was formed in 1985 to support the restoration but was later forced to buy the vessel. She was re-floated and moved to Damhead Creek on the Isle of Grain in 1987. After years of lobbying and fund-raising the ship’s hull was completely rebuilt in Bristol between 2009 and 2013. ​

For visiting details see www.medwayqueen.co.uk

Medway Queen Virtual Tour

Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier by Richard Halton

Board Medway Queen for a Virtual Tour here

Volunteer teams
On board the ship the conservation volunteers fall into 4 groups; Woodwork, Metalwork (fabrication welding etc.), Engineering and Electrical although the lines are often blurred as they frequently work together. 

A second team of volunteers runs the Medway Queen Visitor Centre and conducts tours of the ship. A further group, mainly trustees, manages the society and undertakes administrative roles including finance, PR and secretarial work.

More hands in all these areas at any skill level are always gratefully received!  If you would like to help, please contact: info@medwayqueen.co.uk or T: 01634 575717.

Latest News

April 2023

Medway Queen's Paddle Box fascia by Bob Wilde

The paddle box fascia is nearing completion and this year’s major projects will be installation of toilets on board, for the ship as a static venue, and provision of deck seating as a visitor amenity and to improve the ship’s appearance.

September 2022 The society volunteers are working towards making the ship available as a venue to serve the community and introduce her to a wider audience. To this end a trail event was arranged, the first Jazz Night on board Medway Queen since the early 1970s when she was on the Isle of Wight. Also in September Medway Queen featured in a new children’s book published by the society. In addition a bar has been constructed onboard for future social events and a souvenire shop counter installed in the forward saloon.

June 2022 onwards

Medway Queen's Captain's Cabin, by Mick Appleyard

Despite financial constraints due to the effects of the pandemic and the cost of work undertaken at Ramsgate, the restoration projects were moving ahead. The Captain’s Cabin (chartroom) has been refitted, the funnel repainted and work is advancing on a rebuilt starboard paddle box fascia. This latter was removed while the ship was in Ramsgate and returned to Gillingham for remedial work.

January 2022 PS Medway Queen returned to Gillingham under tow by the tugs Christine and Nipashore. A few weeks later the ship re-opened to the pblic (on Saturdays) with an annoucement by Medway’s Town Crier.

Autumn 2021 Medway Queen went on EAPL’s slip in Ramsgate Harbour for hull maintenance, cleaning and repainting. While there the protective anodes were renewed and the promenade deck rails refurbished to improve visitor safety and the appearance of the ship.

August 2021 Medway Queen will take part in Heritage Open Days 2021, with a new digital exhibition called Food On Board

April 2021 Medway Queen will reopen to visitors from 22 May. 

October 2020

Pennant Hoisting in October 2020 by Bob Wilde

A ceremony was held to raise Medway Queen's pennant recognising her as National Historic Ships UK's Regional Flagship for the South East 2020.  

September 2020 Medway Queen pictures and digital updates as part of the team's Heritage Open Days 2020 events.  

July 2020 The forward deckhouse has been rebuilt!

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