Sheerness in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Sheerness, seaport, dockyard, and garrison town, Minster in Sheppey par., Kent, in NW. of Isle of Sheppey, on river Medway, at its confluence with the Thames, 47 miles E. of London by rail, pop. 14,286; P.O., T.O., 1 Bank, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Saturday. Sheerness was captured by De Ruyter in 1667, and was shortly afterwards fortified; its present fortifications are of modern erection and immense strength. The harbour is safe and commodious, with deep water close alongside the quays at low tide. The dockyard was commenced in 1814; it covers 60 ac., employs between 1500 and 2000 men, and is principally used for repairs. The barracks, naval and military, accommodate about 2000 seamen and as many soldiers. Sheerness is coming into favour as a summer resort; it has spacious esplanades, a fine beach, and excellent facilities for bathing and boating.