Details of Coalhouse Fort open days

Coalhouse Fort built between 1861 and 1874 on the North Bank of the Thames at East Tilbury opposite Cliffe Fort. For many years volunteers were opening the site to the public on a limited basis but this ceased in 2020. Now Thurrock Council have announced that the fort will open for a series of open days the first of which will be on 12 and 13 October - see above. 

More details have now been made available:

More information about the open weekend at COALHOUSE FORT - and an ONLINE SURVEY

There is now a web page on the Thurrock Council website about this event which will be held on Saturday 12 October 2024 and Sunday 13 October 2024, from 1100 to 1630. The page tells us:

“You can join our Museum Team to hold and learn more about some objects that relate to the fort, its history and the people who lived and worked in it. Then use our map to spot interesting items in the parade ground and park. Join one of our group tours, led by Thurrock Museum, to learn more about the fort. Meet at the marquee in the Parade Ground to join. Tours will take place at: 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm

If you can't get down to the Fort to have your say about plans for its' future use and funding, you can complete this online survey

FSG members will be pleased to see the fort being reopended even on a limited basis. It is to be hoped that this is the first step in finding a sustainable future for this important site. It is interesting to see that the project is being funded by the Lower Thames Crossing's Designated Heritage Fund.

The fort was originally planned for 28 guns in iron shielded casemates and a further 28 guns en barbette on the roof. By 1874 this was reduced to  4 x 12.5-inch, 13 x 11-inch, 3 x 9-inch RMLs. A 60 foot wide moat surrounded the fort. 

By 1903 new concrete emplacements for 4 x 6-inch BLs and 4 x 12 pr. Q.F.s were added on the roof. These were removed in various stages and in WW2 the fort was armed with 2 x 5.5 inch guns from HMS Hood.

Aerial Photo - Thurrock Council