This is one of five views of royal dockyards (RCIN 401526, 401543, 405164, 405165 and 405166) executed by Paton with figures by John Hamilton Mortimer (1740-1779). Horace Walpole wrote on 17 February 1775 that Paton had showed 'views of the royal dockyards at Deptford and Chatham' to the King at Buckingham House and that the King was pleased to 'express satisfaction at his performance'.

This view of Chatham dockyard shows the Royal Standard flying on the quay and the King's coach drawn up; in the foreground, figures beside merchandise which is being loaded into a small boat; beyond, ships are under construction in dry dock.

Exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1778 (no. 227).