We are selling Lenox tote bags and Deptford 500 t-shirts to raise funds for the Lenox Project so that we can cover our ongoing admin and printing costs. All proceeds from sales will go to the project.

Build the Lenox tote bags are made of 100% natural cotton printed with the Lenox in a storm painting by Richard Endsor. They are 38cm wide by 43cm deep, and have good long handles so you can get them over your shoulder.

The bags cost £7 each plus £1 for second class postage and packing, £8 in total.

Delivery will take up to five days, depending on how soon we can get to the Post Office. If you live locally we may be able to arrange for you to collect from one of us, please email buildthelenox@gmail.com

We are also selling t-shirts printed with our specially-designed logo which celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Deptford Dockyard.

These are printed on 100% cotton Fruit of the Loom t-shirts and are available in ‘lady fit’ and regular unisex t-shirt cut. They sell for £10 plus £2 second class postage and packing, £12 in total. Again, we may be able to arrange collection for anyone living locally.

We can ship overseas by arrangement, and will advise shipping cost when you order.

Ladies sizes are S (10-12 UK size), M (12-14 UK size), L (14-16 UK size) and XL (16-18 UK size). Sorry we now only have the unisex in XL (46″ chest).

How to order

Please email buildthelenox@gmail.com with details of your order (number, type and size) and mailing address for delivery. Please also state how you wish to pay – by Paypal (we will then send an invoice to your email address), cheque or bank transfer. 

Two days of Open House passed rapidly at the Master Shipwrights House in Deptford, with the estimated 1200-1500 visitors enjoying the good weather, admiring the house, and learning a lot more about the Lenox Project and Deptford’s royal dockyard. It was fantastic to talk to so many people who lived close by, and to really feel the level of local support for our project.

Both days began with a queue – once the gates were open visitors were able to wander freely through the grounds and the house, and enjoy the ambiance created by the owners and the participating organisations and artists. We hope that it seemed to have been created effortlessly – in truth, of course, a lot of sweat and tears went into getting it right!

Before the open day, there was plenty of preparation. Laura X Carle had to reassemble her cardboard anchor, which took pride of place in front of the house when it was completed. As dusk fell each night, it was covered with plastic sheeting to protect it from rain – but none was forthcoming. You may see the anchor again soon on the high street – the cardboard one, that is.

Meanwhile our restored Saker cannon came out of the trailer for once, to be admired, patted and climbed on for the whole weekend. It pointed out to the river solemnly, keeping guard over the water for several days.

Early on the Saturday morning, we got some media coverage on BBC Radio London, with one of the Lenox team going to Broadcasting House at 7am to be interviewed live – the link is in the previous post, although it will only be available until the end of the day on Friday.

Inside the house we set up Richard Endsor’s model, paintings and drawings of the Lenox, and we also had ships carver Andy Peters present, who was talking about his work on other replica ships such as the Hermione.

Under the lime trees we set up our stall to tell visitors about the project, and to sell our merchandise.

A group of re-enactors from the Isle of Wight kept us entertained all day on Saturday by firing their cannon and guns, and generally seeming to enjoy the setting. They had a bit of a photo shoot too, making use of the very picturesque setting.

Guest of honour was Samuel Pepys, who vented his spleen during our press conference at the potential loss of the dockyard, and stated his opinion most forcefully that Britain needed the Lenox to be built. We were also honoured by a special appearance by Horrible Histories actors Ben Willbond and Larry Rickard, seen below, modelling our merchandise!

Photo courtesy Danni Gladston

Thank you to everyone who came, all those who helped out behind the scenes, all the other artists, crafts people, musicians, historians and other professionals and individuals who gave their own time and money to make this such a success.

We had a fantastic time, and hope that you did too!

This Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September we will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Deptford Dockyard being granted its royal charter. As part of London Open House weekend, the historic Master Shipwrights House on Watergate Street, Deptford, will be open to the public free of charge. This is the house in which the master shipwright John Shish, who designed and built the Lenox, would have lived.

The house will be open from 10am till 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and is situated at the end of Watergate Street, next to the Paynes & Borthwick development and across the road from Twinkle Park.

In addition to the opportunity to visit one of Deptford’s best-kept secrets, there will be plenty going on at the venue to entertain visitors. During the course of the weekend, the grounds and rooms of the house will host music, art, cannons, anchors and information about the Build the Lenox and Sayes Court Gardens projects.

On Saturday Build the Lenox has arranged for a ship’s cannon dating from 1630 to be fired at regular intervals throughout the day by a crew costumed in period dress – there will also be the chance to see the restored Saker cannon which also dates from the same era.

Actors Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard from BBC’s Horrible Histories are coming along to support Build the Lenox, and you may be lucky enough to see them chatting to Henry VIII, Samuel Pepys and shipwright John Shish who will be discussing the 30 ships programme and the amazing history of Deptford’s royal dockyard.

Laura X Carle’s full-size cardboard replica of the Deptford anchor will be on show, for all those who didn’t see it at the South Bank Centre, with Sue Lawes‘ Old Blue & White in the grounds – as well as Hollie Paxton and her Deptford-inspired high street shop tins, and Ashton & Mollett’s Deptford Ship Biscuit.

Historians and authors Richard Endsor and David Davies will be giving impromptu talks throughout the day to bring the history of the Dockyard and her ships to life, and Richard will be displaying some of his wonderful paintings of the Lenox under construction at the Deptford Dockyard, as well as putting his model of the ship on show.

A model of Sayes Court Gardens will also be on show, with representatives from both this project and Build the Lenox on hand to answer any questions and find out what visitors think.

If you have a yearning to become a mudlark, take a tour along the foreshore via the historic Watergate; you will see the beautiful stone pavement leading to the former King’s Steps, the blocked-up entrance to the Double Dry Dock and other elements of the dockyard, and old ship’s timbers in the mud of the riverside. You can also see some of the fascinating things Chris has found during his regular trips along the low tide mark.

Visitors to Open House will be able to purchase t-shirts with the specially-designed Deptford 500 logo, as well as tote bags featuring the Lenox in a Storm painting by Richard Endsor. Both items are limited edition, and only available from the event, and all proceeds from sales will support the Lenox Project directly.

T-shirts are £15 each and we have men’s sizes M,L and XL, and ladies’ sizes S, M, L and XL. Tote bags are £8 each. They will be on sale throughout the Open House event at the Master Shipwright’s House.

The Great River Race, which is held every year on the Thames between Deptford and Ham, creates an incredible spectacle. Hundreds of rowers and boats take to the water at the starting line, right opposite Deptford’s former royal dockyard.

The 26th event this year was attended by representatives from the Lenox Project, including director Julian Kingston dressed as Master Shipwright John Shish. With his costume attracting a great deal of attention, Julian was interviewed by TV crews from the BBC World Service, China TV, and Dubai TV who were curious to find out more about the project.

The team spent several hours at the start of the race, talking to spectators, meeting the assembled dignitaries and handing out leaflets to local people and visitors from all around the world.

Lenox skipper Julian Kingston chats to Admiral Alan West, Baron West of Spithead and former First Sea Lord, chief of Naval Staff, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Security Advisor to PM Gordon Brown. Convoys Wharf is in the background.

The race was started by firing an 18th century cannon – not as dramatic as the charge that could be fired from the Lenox Project’s saker but nevertheless a fitting start to such a high-profile race.

Once the 331 boats had passed the starting line, it was down to the VIPs on the following (powered) craft to cheer the rowers upstream with the tide, along the 22 mile course to Ham.

Dutch band Tartoufe helped along the way, keeping the spirits of the rowers up and charming spectators who watched the spectacle from the many bridges, riverside pubs and private homes on the route.

Minutes from the 11 July meeting of Lewisham Council’s Sustainable Development Select Committee underline the whole-hearted support that this committee gave to the project after considering a report and receiving a presentation from members of the Build the Lenox group.

A number of recommendations were made, which will be put before the Mayor & Cabinet at their meeting next week.

These were:

– The Committee recommends that the Mayor write to Li Ka-Shing, Chairman of the Board of Hutchison Whampoa to urge a meeting between the developer and the Build the Lenox group.

– The Committee recommends that a review be carried out by planning officers to determine what support can be given to the Build the Lenox group to assist in achieving the Lenox vision.

– The Committee acknowledges the potential lasting benefits the Build the Lenox project might bring to the borough, including the employment, heritage, tourism, training and education initiatives it should help to create. The Committee also acknowledges that the project could help to create an iconic destination for tourists from around the world.

– The Committee acknowledges the success of similar projects in regenerating towns and cities across Europe.

– The Committee urges the Mayor to work jointly with the office of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly to support the project.

– The Committee welcomes efforts by the Build the Lenox team to encourage the builders of the L’Hermione in Rochefort, France to visit the borough and share their experiences of building a replica warship

– The Committee notes the relevance of sections of the Council’s core strategy,
specifically section 4B of the spatial strategy for regeneration areas, which relate to community well being.

The National Maritime Museum is hosting a day of remembrance on the anniversary of the first successful slave uprising in the western hemisphere – on 23 August in Haiti in 1791.

Although the Lenox was a warship and not directly involved in the slave trade, the dockyard where she was built was inextricably linked to this abhorrent business. As well as playing a vital role in exploration, naval history and the development of new technologies, Deptford docks was the place where many slave ships were built, repaired, or started or ended their journeys.

The event – this Friday 23 August at the National Maritime Museum – will explore the Museum’s vast collections relating to the trade of enslaved people, as well as focusing on the many local connections to be found in the Greenwich World Heritage Site. One of the special events is a walk around Greenwich led by Lenox supporter, author and historian SI Martin (an advisor to Build The Lenox), who will reveal the hidden impact of the transatlantic slave trade during a walk around Greenwich.

Art historian and creative educator Dr Temi Odumosu will explore the themes and attitudes of George Cruickshank’s The New Union Club, which is considered one of the most racist and complex prints of the 19th Century.

Critically acclaimed composer Dominique LeGendre will discuss the impact and work of influential black composers during the period of enslavement, including the celebrated Ignatius Sancho.

Storyteller Rich Sylvester will lead interactive family learning tours around Greenwich Park, exploring Ignatius Sancho’s early life. Starting at Yinka Shonibare MBE’s eminent Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle, the tour concludes at The Ranger’s House, and with a ceremony investigating the importance of names. Young people are invited to leave their names in remembrance.

Full programme details are at the National Maritime Museum website.

We took the Build the Lenox roadshow to the open day at Brompton Cemetery in West London last weekend, where we were able to display our new banner for the first time. It drew plenty of attention, as did the Saker cannon which was on display inside the trailer.

The open day is organised by the Friends of Brompton Cemetery and is held once a year at the famous cemetery. It is the only time visitors can take guided tours of the catacombs.

Des Pawson, who is a world expert on knots and sailors’ ropework, was also at the event and had a stall opposite the Lenox. He spent the day demonstrating how to make rope and showing some of his collection of rope-making artefacts. Des has kindly offered to support the Lenox Project at an event some time in the future, we will let you know when we have arranged a mutually-convenient date.

It was one of the hottest days of the year so far, and despite Julian starting the day in his Restoration-era outfit, along with thick black wig, no-one  blamed him for discarding it once the sun started shining with a vengeance.

As well as meeting plenty of interested and interesting people, we collected some generous donations for the cause and gave away a good number of our newly-printed flyers.

HMS Buckingham on the stocks at Deptford, by John Cleverley the Elder, 1751. (Copyright National Maritime Museum)

The Lenox Project has gained support for its project from Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.

The Mayor pledged his support for the scheme in his answer to a written question from London Assembly member Darren Johnson.

The full text of the question and the Mayor’s brief yet unambiguous answer is reproduced below.

Lenox Vision project, Deptford

Question No: 1907 / 2013

Darren Johnson:

Will you give your support as Mayor to the proposal by the Lenox Vision project to build a replica 17th century warship, on the very site the original ship was constructed, as part of the Convoys Wharf redevelopment in Deptford?

Written response from the Mayor:

Yes.

We are delighted to note that not only does the Mayor support our vision for the Lenox Project, he also agrees that the replica should be built on the very site that the original ship was constructed – the Double Dry Dock.

We believe this would be a much more appropriate use of this part of the site than the park proposed by the developers.

Kids and parents alike were fascinated by the restored Saker cannon on show at the Twinkle Park festival last weekend, right next to the Convoys Wharf site.

The cannon was brought to the festival by the Lenox Project as a way of raising awareness about the project and also giving local people a chance to find out about the Convoys Wharf redevelopment proposals and talk about the impact it will have on them.

The cannon, which has been identified as a ‘short’ naval Saker of English manufacture, was believed to have been cast some time between 1620 and 1630, some 40 years before the Lenox was launched from Deptford Dockyard.

It was in a sorry state when it was first discovered by a scrap merchant clearing a riverside site in south east London, and has been lovingly restored by Lenox Project founder Julian Kingston.

Julian cleaned the corrosion off the shaft, removed the oversize cannon ball which was jammed into the end, and replaced the trunnions and button with replica pieces turned in wrought iron.

The replica wooden carriage was built using the dimensions of an original carriage in Windsor Castle, which carries a ‘long’ saker cannon; Julian built the carriage out of elm and used traditional smithing crafts to forge and shape the wrought iron rings and other components.

Kids were fascinated by the cannon and the story of its restoration, and it proved a talking point for visitors as well as a popular photo opportunity!

The Lenox Project is planning to take the cannon out to schools and youth groups to continue raising awareness. If you would like to know more, please contact info@buildthelenox.org