
The fascinating history of the chandlery actually begins in medieval times, where the chandlery was the part of wealthy houses which dealt with wax and candles, as these were the days before electric lights. The individual who ran the chandlery was known as the chandler.
Many candles at this time were made from tallow, fat from cows or sheep, which was also a key ingredient in soap (and still is in some cases today). By the 18th century, many chandleries had become more commercial and were dealing in candles, soap and other general items.
Often, these general items included ships stores, so by the 1580’s the word chandlery became more aligned with how we know it today, although for a time they were known as ‘ships chandleries’ to help them stand out.
The job title chandler is still in use today, but has grown from being someone who is in charge of the household candles, to someone who works in, or manages, a chandler’s shop. A modern chandlery sells all variety of marine equipment, from charts and binoculars to paint, varnish, galley equipment and so much more!
No doubt you’re familiar with your local chandlery, but what can you do if you’re away and you need to find a chandlery near you? Our search facility is a great way to explore your options in the closest harbour or port.
We’ve taken a look at some popular searches for chandlers in the UK, to give you some ideas for your next visit...
City Centre Chandlers
If you’re sailing into two of the UK’s biggest cities and need a chandlers, here are some options to try:
Chandlers in Liverpool
Bluepoint Marine - South Ferry Quay, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4EE
Liverpool Power Boats - 105 Rimrose Road, Bootle, Liverpool, Merseyside, L20 4HN
Reliance Marine - Unit 2 - 3 Carham Road, Carr Lane Industrial Estate, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 4FF
Chandlers in London
Arthur Beale Ltd - 194 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, London, WC2H 8JP
Yacht Sentinel Ltd - Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BN
Chas Newens Marine Co Ltd - The Boathouse, Embankment, Putney, London, SW15 1LB
Chandlers on the South Coast
If are in need of a chandler on the south coast while visiting one of these beautiful and popular sailing destinations, here are some suggestions (or use our full search for more ideas)
Chandlers in Brixham
Dartside Quay - Dartside Quay, Galmpton Creek, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0EH
August Race - Unit 3, The Dart Building, Devon, TQ5 0GA
Darthaven Marina - Brixham Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0SG
Chandlers in Falmouth
Bosun’s Locker - 6-17 Church Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3DR
Mylor Chandlery - Mylor Yacht Harbour Ltd, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5UF
Seaware - Unit 8b, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EP
Chandlers in the Isle of Wight
Richardsons Yacht Services - Island Harbour Marina, Mill Lane, New Port, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA
Kevin Mole Outboards & Chandlery - 4 Seaways, Seaview Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7US
Spencer Rigging - Empire Buildings, St. Mary's Road, Isle of Wight, PO31 7SX
Chandlers in Plymouth
Gael Force - Units 13/14 The Fish Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LH
Force 4 - Queen Anne's Battery, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP
Technical Marine Supplies - Tamar Building, Queen Anne's Battery Marina, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP
Chandlers in Poole
Marine Spares UK - Unit 7, Cabot Business Village, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BA
Force 4 - The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HF
UK Marine Spares - Cobb's Quay Marina, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL
Chandlers in Portsmouth
Marine Superstore Ltd - 7-11 The Slipway, Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4TR
YouBoat - Endeavour Quay, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AH
WicorMarine Yacht Haven - Cranleigh Road, Porchester, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 9DR
Chandlers in Southampton
Force 4 - Shamrock Quay, William Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 5QL
Bainbridge Sail & Cover - Unit 8, Flanders Park, Hampshire, SO30 2FZ
Marineware Ltd - 5 Tower Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6NZ
Chandlers in Weymouth
Kingfisher Marine - 10A Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8BG
Bussells Chandlers - 30 Hope Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TU
Apollo Marine - Puma Building, P3 Navigator Park, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1DX
Of course, if you’re heading to an area we haven’t covered, be sure to use our full search facility to find everything you might need, and don’t forget to take a look at our Route Assist to help you along the way.