Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Photo Gallery by John Cooper at pbase.com

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John Cooper | profile | all galleries >> English Coastal Towns >> Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

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Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

For the finest collection of photos of the Isle of Sheppey, go to the gallery of https://pbase.com/luckytrev

:: Blue Town ::	:: Harty Ferry ::	:: Leysdown on Sea ::	:: Minster ::	:: Queenborough ::
:: Sheerness ::	:: Shell Ness ::	:: Sheppy Bridge ::	:: Warden Point ::	Offshore from the Island
There are lots of these.	Eastchurch.	Places of the world tree on the Falkland Islands.	Liverpool, Ashford, near the top of the tree.	Hexham, LLangenny, the middle of the tree.
I think that is Whitstable across the bay.	Looking across to the mainland.	Redsand Forts	Wind farm, offshore from the Island.	Redsand Army Fort, (Maunsell Fort)
Shipwreck.	Looking towards Sheerness town from the ramp.	Looking towards Eastchurch from the road.

comment |

Malcolm Harrison		24-Oct-2025 11:47
I was born in Medway but now live in Lancashire. My parents used to take us to Leysdown as kids. It was a lovely place then but when I went there recently I was not impressed at the over commercialisation. What a shame. Two of my great grandparents lived at Eastchurch, Albert Halls (1870 - 1956) and Ellen Annie Halls (nee Arnold) (1868 - 1956) and some of their children also lived on Sheppey. I am a genealogist and would be interested in hearing from anyone in the Halls or Atnold family. Ellen was from Ospringe.

Guest		24-Oct-2025 11:35
I was born and bred in Medway but now live in Lancashire. As a child my mother often took us to Leysdown and we stayed in a beach chalet, we loved the place. However, when I visited the town recently I was astonished to find that it was over full of holidaymakers, and very over commercialised. What a shame. Some of my Halls ancestors spent their lives at Eastchurch, my great grandfather Albert Halls 1870 - 1956 and great grandmother Ellen Annie Halls (nee Arnold) and their children. I would be interested in hearing from anyone of the Halls family at Sheppey

Guest		25-Sep-2018 10:15
I.worked.at.shurland.hall.on.key.scheme.in1984.with.terry.berrisford

evergreen		27-Sep-2017 17:33
I have recently revisited Sheppey after being away for about 40 years!! Some of it actually seems better than it used to be, although I don't like those big warehouses on the approach to Sheerness, or the fact that the road takes you in via the docks, which is obviously run down. Even so I was pleased to find that some parts of the Island remain completely unspoilt, in particular Eastchurch (what a lovely Church it is too - a really Christian and well cared for church it seemed - I took loads of photos). I am reading and researching diaries by Stephen Rouse (1724 - 1814) who lived at Minster from about 1745 until he died and mentions a great many people on the island during his life time and even lists the owners and tenants of the farms at Minster, Eastchurch and Leysdown. So if anyone lives in a farm in the area they could find out who lived there. I wonder if any of his Great great great great grandchildren still live on the island....?

Roger Ward		09-Feb-2017 21:10
trying to find family history info. have traced my great grandfather Charles William Ward (12/3/1867-5/21/1952).Married Wilhelmenia Wascher. Looking for any decendents still in that area. thanks

TRACEY LAY		28-Sep-2016 12:37
looking for people attending minster comp in the year 1980 to 1983 is anybody like to met up

Guest		28-Sep-2016 12:34
looking for people who attending minster comp in the year 1980 to 1983

Susan		25-Apr-2015 18:35
Have you tried on Sheppey 60's 70's page on facebook, I don't see either of them on there but no doubt somone will know them, I do but no longer live on the Island

Von		27-Nov-2013 13:36
I am trying to find Jacqueline Bettey, who married Alan Martin in 1969, the location for the marriage was Sheppey. Jackie's family were our neighbours in Gillingham in the '50's and Jackie was a much loved childhood friend of mine. We lost contact when my family emigrated to Australia in 1957, we returned 3 years later and I met up with her and her sister briefly in 1960. If anyone can offer me any leads to finding her I would be very, very grateful. I also have fond memories of Sheppey, Leysdown in particular, and a very, very windy guide camp near Eastchurch, when we had to evacuate to the village hall.

John Cooper		20-Nov-2013 21:54
Guest, Go to the island, spend the day there. It is a small place, you can see every part of the place in a day. Some people go there once and say never again. Others fall in love with the Island. Personally I would love to move there and spend the rest of my life living there. So I am biased.

Guest		20-Nov-2013 18:16
I visited Leysdown when I was a kid in the early 50's and am thinking of getting a place in Leysdown or sheerness to spend the summers. What is it really like? thank you

John Cooper		25-Oct-2013 20:21
Yes, I remember him very well. He used to sit on a chair on the green at the top of the high street. He had the toffee apples in a box on wheels beside him. Very sun tanned as he sat there all day long. I must admit I never brought one from him as we could not afford luxury's in those days.

paul		25-Oct-2013 01:53
can you remember len the tof# ap, man

Guest		25-Oct-2013 01:51
can you remember len the tofie appel man

Guest		05-Sep-2013 13:02
Alan Many happy memories has a kid in the 50's & early 60's spending generally the whole of summer holidays in Sheerness with friends of my parents. Vaguely remember the after effects of 1953 flooding, the fun ground which is now the Tesco, picnic's on Minster Cliffs and pleasure boat trips around the Richard Montgomery!! Good times.

Guest		14-Apr-2013 15:05
can anybody tell me where tha gay companions campsite was on the isle of sheppey in the mid seventies

John Cooper		25-May-2012 19:31
Marilyn, if I had the money I would live there without holiday cottages to spoil it. I love the Isle of Sheppey, and would happily move there tomorrow.

N Clements		17-Apr-2012 19:38
Hi dose anybody remember the Clements family 10 girls and 2 boy.s one of wich is my farther Barry he lived in Minster before marrying June Dowell she lived in Vincent Gdns in Sheerness and had two sisters Joyce and Norah my farther was manager of Goodhews butchers shop in the high st during 1950.s He latter worked for Shepard Neame i beleive they had a small depot under the Avenue hotel in Sheerness

John Cooper		15-Apr-2012 09:27
Go there, look around, its not a big Island. You can check every part of it in a day. Then decide if you like it. Personally I would love to go and live there, mainly because I just like the place.

Guest		14-Apr-2012 23:26
Hi can anyone tell me about what is good about Sheppey. Clearly there seem to be people with very fond memories, but what actually exists there? It sounds very remote, is it an isolated type of place to live? Is there work/employment? Crime? I know it's an isle, but is there life! As we know it..How does it compare to other coastal area's in England? Can someone tell me some plus's about being there, though clearly I sense a sense of community and good people so far. How touristic is it for example, or anything you'd like to add. Just curious as I know property is cheap there so was looking to buy. I also don't want to invest in anything like South End or Canvey Island. How would they compare? Thanks and would appreciate anything anyone has to say about that as it seems youve all moved away..So why?

Glyn		13-Apr-2012 16:28
Lived in queenborough for many years but I must admit I was glad to move to West London.I did have fond memories and had three sons born there and still have family there.I still keep in contact with my family there at least weekly from my present home in california.

Roger		10-Oct-2011 19:26
I used to go to school with Alan Ward, he was in my class with Dave Clark, I remember when Al started dating your Mum Yvonne and then she was pregnant, was a big deal back in those days.

Big john		11-Sep-2011 07:47
Angela i just remember the small train ride in sheerness i think they extended k casino so it was removed as there are gardens next to that place i will see if i can find a picture.

Guest		17-Aug-2011 00:09
LOOKING FOR WELL IT WAS IN 1983 ANGELA THORNE SERVING WITH WRAC IN DEEPCUT CAMBERLY SURREY. ANYONE KNOW OF ANGELA WAS FROM SHEERNESS. I WAS WITH THE 1ST BN THE ROYAL IRISH RANGERS ON A CLERIAL COURSE AT DEEPCUT, I GOT TO KNOW ANGELA. IN ALL HONESTY SHE HAS BEEN PART OF ME ALL THESE YEARS. MOVING ON AS PEOPLE DO MARRING ETC, ANYONE KNOWING OF ANGELA OR HER WHEREABOUT PLEASE WOULD U CONTACT ME On :- johncrawford2008@hotmail.co.uk MANY THANKS

Paula		28-Jul-2011 19:41
Hi Linda, i used to stay at Gay companions caravan park in the mid 70s oh year every year of we all went with my nan and grandad for the school holidays,me my brother Terry my cousins Joe and Leigh Vicky and Kay we had a great time,ive been trying to find some photos as well but had no luck yet but if i do i will pass them on.

Bill Wallace		21-Jul-2011 06:51
Sorry I can't share your happy memories of Mrs Evans, the head teacher at the National School Julia. In fact some 70 years later I can still recall my first encounter with her when as a rather scared five year old experiencing their first day at infants school, she chased me all around that tiny concrete playground shouting, "If you don't come here this instant William, I'll put you in a sack and throw you in the canal!" In fact my late life long friend, Rod Hull who also started school on the same day,would laughingly constantly remind me of it. Perhaps her sensitive approach to toddlers starting school favoured little girls rather than little boys.

Linda		15-Jul-2011 22:08
Hi, I used to visit the Island every year for holidays with my parents. We stayed at Gay Companions Caravan Park (I think it may now be called Shurland Park). We loved it and it was the only time my dad really relaxed and was what you could class as nice. Went back a few years ago and it made me sad to se how different it was. Has anyone got any pics of Gay Companions in the late 6o's - I would have been six or seven - happy days.

devina guyton		10-Jul-2011 18:57
HI LOOKING THROUGHT THE TIMES SAW ARTICLE ABOUT SHURLAND HALL. WENT TO SHEPPEY LOTS AS A KID FOR HOLIDAYS FROM EAST HAM. REMEBER THE CHALETS, BASILY ONLY A ROOM SMALL KITCHENS AND SMALL BEDROOM WITH INDOOR TOILET. FUNNY IT SEEMED QUITE LUXURIES TO HAVE INSIDE TOILET. BECKTON HIOUSE STILL HAD OUTSIDE LOO'S IN 50 -60-70. HAD GREAT KIDHOOD HOLIDAY TIME ON THE MUD FLATS, WE THOUTH IT WAS SAND. SWIMMING POOL AND DOWN THE CLUB AT NIGHT FOR BINGO, LOVELY MEMORIES. LAST HOLIDAY MY DAD IN HIS 50'S GOT A KIT AND SPENT MOST OF THE TIME FLYING IT, DON;T THINK HE'D HAD ONE AS A KID FROM ELEPHANT AND CASTLE

Guest		09-Jul-2011 21:16
Both my parents were raised here, my father Patrick Thomas and my mother Bessie Murphy(Thomas). They were born in 1930 and 1933.

Guest		04-Oct-2010 17:02
hello, can anyone tell me if they remember the little kiddies train that was in a large area behind a wall in neptune terrace sheerness i used to look over the wall and watch it but not many people can remember it , angela

pamela		29-Sep-2010 20:17
hi im from the ward family of marine town,born and bred in sheerness....nice place no matter how many times you leave it always pulls you back :-)

Guest		20-Aug-2010 17:29
Hi, it is strange that I'm trying to contact my dad too. His name is Mukhtar Ahmad. I'll be so greatful if you could help. If you know him or know of him by any chance please pass my details to him. My email address is f.mukhtar@rocketmail.com. Thank you.

Guest		19-Jun-2010 12:06
hello i was wondering if you could please help me, im trying to contact my father his name is derreck samual micheal bennett i realise that you probably cant give me his details but if you know of him maybe you could pass mine on?thank you my email address is stacetendai @ yahoo . co .uk i realise im clutching at straws but thanky uo all the same stacey bennett

Julia McDougall		01-Mar-2010 14:21
Julia McDougall was Endacott I went to the National School in Sheerness and Mrs Evans was the headteacher then. She lived in my road and myself and my sister Susan used to carry her bag home from school as we lived in the same road. I would be interested in finding out if anyone has any photos of the school as I cannot find any I would be very grateful. You can email at juliamjules@aol.com or through this sight.

Noel Schumann		14-Dec-2009 19:02
As a visitor from South Africa I had pleasure of visiting the Isle of Sheppey in February 2009. Although the weather was very cold, just after the "big snow", I truly enjoyed my brief visit. I found the people of the Isle to be very friendly and helpful and the areas I visited were neat and clean. I would certainly return for another visit, maybe in summer!!

Les Neaves		23-Sep-2009 19:22
Anyone attend Technical School in the 1940's and remember Mr Chapman, algabra & geometry, Mr. Kitkat, maths, Mr Woodward, Carpentry & Mr Mark Stacey, gym. Any other names to add to the list??

Guest		23-Sep-2009 01:20
used to come to sheppey every yr as a child to see family not been in about 15 years but its not changed at all,love the photo's,nice to see you still have the roadkill lol

leslie neaves		20-Sep-2009 19:24
john, I remember when there was only one bridge carrying both the road and the railway. It was a cantilever type of bridge which was raised from one side when there was a ship needed to pass to kemsley paper mills. occasionally we would be late for school because of this.

Leslie John Neaves		19-Sep-2009 11:53
I was born in Sittingbourne and attended Sheerness Technical School from 1942 until I took the R.A.F. Apprentice exam and went to R.A.F. Halton Bucks. At school we used to a gym in a school next door and in the summer we used to go to the old swimming pool on the front (no roof in those days). I had a girl friend, Mavis Harden, who lived at 132 Coronation Road, she was a very pretty girl. My brother lives on the island and I have recentally stopped at the Royal Hotel whilst visiting. my e-mail is leslie@neaves.me.uk.

Mrs. olive Collins		12-May-2009 15:57
my husband and I and our two elder daughters used to holiday on Sheppey many years ago, we used to own a chalet on the Eastchurch Site. Many years later I find that my own ancestors were from Blue Town, surname Madams, I would love to know if any of the family is still there.Mr

Penny H		26-Apr-2009 14:46
I lived in Sheppey for most of my childhood and have very fond memories of the place, I went to Airdale School (no longer there) sang in the Abbey choir, worked in the hospital and generally roamed the island as a child. Shellbeach and Muswell Manor hold great memories for me...I will be returning this weekend the Island and really cant wait to be back home.

Sally Potter		28-Feb-2009 18:57
Hi John, I relly enjoyed looking at your pictures, especially the Harty Ferry area., I grew up in London, but my famioly had always holidayed on Sheppey every summer and I loved it. In fact it left me with such a love of remote seaside places that I ended up living in Cornwall! It is many years since I have been back to the Isle of Sheppey (not since before our 3 now grown-up daughters were born)but I would llove to go back. Our holidays were at Warden Bay, and we used to walk lover the cliffs towards Mister. I remember being dfascinated by the way the land was gradually being swallowed by the sea -especially the dramatic vanishing of a white house into the sea. At that time Minster vvillage was in danger of being eroded by the sea, and a fort which had once stood on the cliffs was way out to sea. I went on line to try to find out what that part of the coast looks like now, and what has happened to the village. Do you know? Thanks again for the glimpses of the island on your website, Sally Potter

Another Christine		25-Nov-2008 21:15
Thanks to Mary Martin for her memories. I also went to the National School in the Fifties but had forgotten the teachers' names until she mentioned them. It brought it all back! Happy days! A lovely childhood. I no longer live on Sheppey either, - I live in Bath now. I love all the photo's, thank you for them.

Mary Martin		05-Nov-2008 21:02
Hi, I was born and bred on the island living in Victoria Street, Trinity Road and finally in Coronation Road. I attended the National School and remember fondly Mrs Parker, Mrs Stringer, Mrs Hoffmann, Mrs Thomas, Miss Woodard, Mrs Ryder and Mrs Evans the headteacher. I'm now living in Ringmer East Sussex, but return to see the rest of the familt still on Sheppey.

bob		11-Aug-2008 19:43
bob = does any one have any information on a isolation hospital at westminster on sheppy, maybe what it was for, when it was built, and taken down please.

Guest		04-Jul-2008 14:02
Hi, I am one of the Ward sisters that no longer live on the Island...yipeeee!!!! Mum is Yvonne Ann Ward nee jacobs and my Dad is Alan ward. They are celebrating 39 yrs of marriage this year. They now have 10 grandchildren...must have been all the sea air...not!! Dad used to play for Sheppy rugby club. We moved to Bristol in 1982 and call ourselves Bristolians. Nice to see some photos. Has the fairground gone? Used to go to Richmond Primary School and to of my sisters went to Lady Ann Cheney.

John Cooper		05-Jun-2008 18:27
Hello Rose Street reception class. Thank you for your kind words. Have you looked at the galleries of Trevor Edwards,http://www.pbase.com/luckytrev/profile He lives in Sheerness and has the best collection of photos of the Isle of Sheppey in the whole world.

Guest		02-Jun-2008 15:48
hi enjoyed the pics. I lived on the isle of sheppey for 5 years and loved it there, great people, lovely open space and peaceful, have great memories of the place and my daughter was born locally at chatham so holds a special bond for me. Live in oz now so a bit different! julie

stewart		10-May-2008 14:29
I was born on the island and lived there untill I was 17 occasionally I visit harty as I like the remoteness of the place and I really love the little church.

Guest		10-May-2008 14:28
I was born on the island and lived there untill I was 17 occasionally I visit harty as I like the remoteness of the place and I really love the little church.

Another Christine		28-Feb-2008 14:52
Message for 'Christine' I was born in Halfway Road Sheerness and lived until my 12th birthday (1960). The large house at the bottom of the Road - towards Sheerness East - was owned by the Court family - in fact I seem to recall it was called 'Sheppey Court', but I may be wrong on that. Anyway, I too love Sheerness, goodness knows why! I frequently look at the webcam of the sailing club and wish I was walking along the beach there. Anyone else go to the National School? (Holy Trinity Primary).

Christine		08-Dec-2007 20:36
Does anyone know of the Court family, who lived, and were born, on the Isle of Sheppey in the 19th Century? I believe one of them (either John Court or Thomas Court) built the old bridge. They are my ancesters. I have not been to Sheerness myself since the 1950's, as a child.

matt		17-Aug-2007 19:23
get some pics of the leysdown arcades and beaches during the summer times,

Christine		24-Jul-2007 12:21
loved the pics of Sheppey ....I was born in Sheerness well at Minster hospital really...I love Sheppey hated to leave it...have been away many years now but have visited. Anyone remember the Gillespie's from BlueTown? My Mum was a Gillespie. My Grandad worked in the dockyard. I last lived on The Queensway and went to Broadway girls school? any of my old mates out there?

marilyn		02-Jun-2007 18:11
Be interesting to find anyone who knew or knows the STANTON family who lived in victoria street(BLUE TOWN)Any information especially before 1940 would be gratefully appreciated

John Cooper		24-Mar-2007 19:50
Hello Wendy, you are right,I live in London, and I can assure you there are some very bad places here. I spent a lot of holidays on the Isle of Sheppey, and loved the place. If I had a choice, I would move there to live.

Guest		24-Mar-2007 19:14
Hello. I like your photo's, I live on the Isle of sheppey, and would not move off for anything. there are some bad places but isn't there everywhere. If people move away,why do they say they miss it.??? wendy.

stella sinclair		10-Mar-2007 15:35
I was born in Harold street Queenborough went to Halfway primary school and on to the "cenral".It may not be the loveliest place in the world but as an Islander now living in Spain these photos made me smile and I look forward to my next visit

Jo		26-Jan-2007 13:39
Dear John, My mum lived on the Isle of Sheppey for about 10 years and loved it. It has lots of good points, I think she found it really peaceful and enjoyed the bird life there. Some nice people live on Sheppey. I enjoyed the photo's - thanks! Jo x

Wayne Pfaff, Ohio		25-Oct-2006 19:35
I believe my 3rd great grandmother, Catherine (Gardener) Borrett, & one of her daughters, Catherine Day (Borrett) Thorne, lived at Sheppey for several years. The first died there in 1888, the other in 1890. I took special interest in the sign photo, as I am a professional sign maker. The craftmanship isn't all that great, but he certainly gets his message across

Alan Wilkinson		12-Sep-2006 16:38
Thanks for making me homesick. I moved away from Sheppey many years ago but, my roots are still there. I'll be back for a flying visit at the end of the month for a nosey around. Have a look at my site if you wish: www.pbase.com/sheppeylad

Phil Stubbs		12-Jul-2006 11:59
Another interesting set of images showing the variety and beauty of the location John Phil

John Cooper		11-Jul-2006 22:11
Dave, I would guess from your comment that you have been to the Isle of Sheppey. I know a lot of people who have only been there once, and say never again. Personally I love the place, I wish I could get there more often.

Guest		11-Jul-2006 20:22
Interesting gallery of not one of the nicest places in the world The new bridge is very impressive

Guest		19-Mar-2006 21:32
Love the pictures from Sheppey, did you manage to revisit Shurland Hall/House in Eastchurch, is it still in a bad state, haven't been back for years! What a waste of a beautiful building, and steeped in so much history!

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