Uncover The Untold History of the Master Shipwrights House — The Men Who Crafted England’s Naval Dominance From The Shipyards Of Deptford.

It was to my complete astonishment when browsing through London’s Georgian Architecture videos, when a recommended video popped up called ‘London’s Secret Mansion : Inside The Master Shipwright’s House With It’s Owner‘ Now, I know what you are thinking . . .what does this have to do with marine history? Let me explain –

Master Shipwright's blog for Solarglide Limited

An artist impression of the Master Shipwright’s house in Deptford. By © Solarglide Limited

What Is A Master Shipwright’s House 

A Mater Shipwright’s House refers to the residences and offices of the senior shipbuilders (Master Shipbuilders) who oversaw the design, construction and maintenance of the ships royal navy. In fact, there were several monarchs that were associated with the ship yards, notable  – Deptford Dockyard, which was founded by Henry VIII, and is still one of the few remaining parts of Deptford’s former royal dockyards. Nicknamed ‘The King’s Yard‘, this former royal dockyard became one of the most important dockyards in the world.

Former Master Shipwrights Residencies

There were two notable master ship builders that occupied the house around the 17th and 18th century called  John Shish and Joseph Allin. John Shish was a Master Shipwright at Deptford, overseeing construction of major warships like HMS Lenox and Hampton Court. Another residence, was Joseph Allin who became a Master Shipwright at Deptford in 1705 and in that role, led rebuilds and new builds for the Royal Navy.

Who Owns The Master Shipwright’s House

Ok, now I have given you a bit of naval history, let us talk about this historic Georgian residence, which was available to purchase and reported to be on sale for around £8,000,000. The unscripted youtube walkthrough is hosted by Youtube channel owner – Tim Philips, and we see him being guided by the Master Shipwright’s House owner Willi Richards.

Before we even enter the historic Georgian building, we are presented with the first piece of British legend.  Willi, points to a puddle on a cobbled street, and goes on to explain the legendary story of when Sir Walter Raleigh famously threw his cloak over a puddle, so that Queen Elizabeth I could walk over it without soiling her shoes. The actual dip within the cobbled street can still be seen today, and still fills up with rain water on occasion.

” The Secret To Building Ships Lies Beyond These Walls “

Willi Richards, along with his partner Chris Mazeika purchased the London property in 1998 for £195,000. Willi, was the former artistic director of ‘RADA’ (Business)  (The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts). He is also a voice and communications specialist working in fields of theatre and radio.

Not To Over Restore, But Embrace The Natural Beauty Of The House

As we move through the Master Shipwright’s house, Willi mentions on several occasions, that he did not want to ‘over restore’ also using words like ‘light touch’,  meaning all essentials were fully restored including the roof, windows, electricity and heating, but embracing the natural beauty of age, wear and tear and the patina of tarnished materials within the entire building. The Grade II listed building now occupies both Willie and Chris’s family and friends, but occasionally is used for parties, art projects and various performances of the arts.

 

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By “The Blind Mariner”

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