Number 2 Dry Dock

No. 2 Dry Dock is a dry dock located in Chatham Dockyard, constructed between 1858 and 1860 using granite and concrete. It features stepped sides in two sections, with haulage slides, and the sides of the entrance are curved to accommodate former gates, which are now closed by a 20th-century steel caisson. A concrete platform runs along the north side for a travelling crane, which was built in 1861 for fitting armour plating to the ship Achilles.

Historically, this dock was originally excavated in 1623 as a single dock. Notably, Nelson's Victory was built in the remodelled 18th-century slip. The dock was lengthened between 1855 and 1856 for the construction of HMS Mersey, the longest wooden warship ever built for the navy, and was rebuilt from 1858 to 1860 for the Achilles, which was floated out of this dock in December 1864 as the first of the Royal dockyards' iron battleships. The adjoining No. 1 Workbase was established as a plate-bending workshop for the Achilles.

This dry dock is a significant example of mid-19th century dry dock technology, showcasing important advancements in the design of 19th-century warships.