The approach to the Fort
The Coalhouse Fort Project was set up in 1983 by a dedicated team of volunteers. Leased from Thurrock Council, with the aim of restoring the fort. The Fort is set within several acres of Green Flag parkland next to the River Thames and is currently undergoing refurbishment.
Constructed between 1861 and 1874, the Fort cost an estimated £130,000 and was built to defend the Thames from a potential invasion by France. Forts were also built on the opposite side of the Thames in Kent, at Cliffe and Shorenmead.
Coalhouse served as a coastal defence battery during WW1 and WW2.. During WW2 it became a Degausing Monitor Station to help protect shipping from magnetic mines that were being deployed in the Thames estuary. It was closed following the abolition of Coastal Defence in 1956 and used as storage for Bata shoes until the early 1960's.
Constructed between 1861 and 1874, the Fort cost an estimated £130,000 and was built to defend the Thames from a potential invasion by France. Forts were also built on the opposite side of the Thames in Kent, at Cliffe and Shorenmead.
Coalhouse served as a coastal defence battery during WW1 and WW2.. During WW2 it became a Degausing Monitor Station to help protect shipping from magnetic mines that were being deployed in the Thames estuary. It was closed following the abolition of Coastal Defence in 1956 and used as storage for Bata shoes until the early 1960's.
