The Early Years

The MEDWAY QUEEN was built at Troon in 1924 specifically for the New Medway Steam Packet Company for operation on the River Medway. In the early part of the 20th century a trip on a paddle steamer was a highspot of a families summer with the MEDWAY QUEEN's decks often being full of holidaymakers. During these times most seaside resorts had their own pier where many paddle steamers disembarked their passengers.

The MEDWAY QUEEN mainly operated between Strood and Southend calling at Sun Pier (Chatham), Upnor and Sheerness with additional destinations such as Herne Bay, Clacton and occasionally Margate.

She would normally leave Strood Pier at around 9am and call at Sun Pier (Chatham) shortly after. This was a time when an excursion on a paddle steamer was a really big day out for all the family.

The Medway Queen carried many people on her various excursions from the Medway Towns during the 1920s and into the 1930's. Then during the late 1930's dark clouds gathered over Europe and there was little hint as to the part the Medway Queen would play.