Coalhouse Fort
| Published: 18th February 2007 23:44 |
Coalhouse Fort is a Victorian coastal defence fort set in parkland next to the river Thames at East Tilbury.
The fort was completed in 1874, on the site of previous gun batteries, to defend the approaches to London from the perceived threat of invasion from France and other continental powers. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of an armoured casemated fort in the United Kingdom.
Since 1983 the fort has been leased to the Coalhouse Fort Project, a voluntary organisation, who have rescued the building from total dereliction and as a result the fort is now regularly opened to the public, with project members providing guided tours of the more accessible parts of the building.
The stature and imposing atmosphere of the fort (and its various outbuildings), somehow brings the history of the place to life, while the ample parkland surrounding it, offers a perfect spot to spend some time.
Even on those days when the fort is closed to the public, you'll always find people walking or riding bikes along the pathways that circle the fort and stretch alongside the Thames, or making use of the open spaces to kick a ball around, throw a frisbee or fly a kite etc.
For more information, click here to access the official website.
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