Tilbury Fort Review: History & Visitor Guide

My Photos of Tilbury Fort

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History of Tilbury Fort

Tilbury Fort, located on the north bank of the River Thames in Essex, has guarded London’s seaward approach for nearly 500 years. Originally built in 1539 by Henry VIII as part of his coastal defence programme, it began as a modest blockhouse designed to repel French and Spanish invaders.

Its most iconic moment came in 1588, when Queen Elizabeth I rallied her troops nearby to face the threat of the Spanish Armada, delivering her famous speech:

“I have the heart and stomach of a king…”

The fort was dramatically redesigned in the 1670s by Dutch engineer Sir Bernard de Gomme, transforming it into a star-shaped bastioned fortress with moats, angular bastions, and gun platforms. It remained active through the Napoleonic Wars, World Wars, and was finally decommissioned in 1950. Today, Tilbury Fort is managed by English Heritage and stands as one of Britain’s best-preserved examples of 17th-century military architecture.

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10 Interesting Facts About Tilbury Fort

1. The Water Gate was designed to impress arriving dignitaries, complete with the royal coat of arms.
2. The fort’s gunpowder magazines are the oldest surviving examples in Britain.
3. It once stored over 19,000 barrels of gunpowder during the Napoleonic Wars.
4. Jacobite prisoners were held here in 1746 — many died of typhus or were transported to the colonies.
5. The fort’s guns shot down a Zeppelin during WWI — its only confirmed military success.
6. Queen Elizabeth I’s Armada speech was delivered just outside the fort in 1588.
7. The fort has two concentric moats, designed to flood surrounding marshland and deter land attacks.
8. A boom chain was stretched across the Thames to Gravesend to block enemy ships.
9. The Victorian magazine tunnels feature original cartridge lifts and blast walls.
10. Tilbury Fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and includes Grade II listed buildings.

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Things to See and Do at Tilbury Fort

• Walk the Ramparts
  Enjoy panoramic views of the Thames and explore the star-shaped bastions.
• Explore the Gunpowder Magazines
  Step inside 18th-century storage chambers with blast-proof architecture.
• Visit the Victorian Tunnels
  Discover underground passages and learn about 19th-century gunners.
• See the Water Gate
  Admire the ornate riverside entrance once used by royalty and officers.
• Tour the Guardhouse and Chapel
  Peek into daily life at the fort with period furnishings and exhibits.
• Use the Audio Guide
  Hear Queen Elizabeth I’s Armada speech and stories from the fort’s past.
• Picnic on the Parade Ground
  Relax in open green spaces surrounded by historic buildings.
• Spot the Spigot Mortars
  WWII defences installed by the Home Guard still remain on site.
• Browse the Exhibition
  Learn about Tilbury’s strategic role in defending London.
• Join a Guided Tour or Event
  Seasonal reenactments and mystery-solving experiences bring history to life.

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Practical Information for Visiting Tilbury Fort

• Location: Fort Road, Tilbury, Essex RM18 7NR
• Opening Times:
  • March–Oct: Wed–Sun, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Nov–Feb: Weekends only, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Closed Mon–Tue (except bank holidays)
• Entry:
  • Adult: £6.80
  • Child (5–17): £3.60
  • Family (2 adults + 3 children): £17.20
  • English Heritage members: Free
• Tickets: Book online for 10% discount; walk-ins welcome
• Accessibility:
  • Most paths accessible; ramparts and Gatehouse via stairs only
  • Disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities available
• Transport:
  • Train: Tilbury Town Station (30-min walk or bus)
  • Bus: Ensign Route 99 stops nearby
  • Ferry: Gravesend–Tilbury foot ferry (8-min walk from terminal)
  • Parking: Free onsite; overflow near World’s End Pub
• Food & Drink: Light refreshments, hot drinks, and ice cream in the Guardhouse shop
• Toilets: Onsite, including accessible facilities
• Dogs: Allowed on leads; water bowls and toileting areas provided
• Nearby: Coalhouse Fort, Grays Beach Park, Gravesend Borough Market
• Official Website: Tilbury Fort – English Heritage

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