Coalhouse Fort is located on the northern bank of the River Thames near East Tilbury, Essex. It was built (along with Cliffe Fort and Shornmead Fort, which are, respectively, on the southern bank of the River Thames near Cliffe and Gravesend in Kent) to ensure that no enemy incursions could be made up the River Thames and into the centre of London.

When completed in 1874 Coalhouse Fort was armed with three 9" Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns in the open battery and 11" Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns in the casemates. Four 12.5" Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns were added to the Fort's armament in 1877.

Like almost all the coastal forts built during the Victorian era, Coalhouse Fort was built by civilian labour working under the supervision of Royal Engineer Officers. In the case of Coalhouse Fort, the supervising officer was one Colonel (later General) Charles Gordon RE.

Coalhouse Fort was supplemented by the Coalhouse Battery (which has since been dismantled).

For larger images, click on the appropriate thumbnail.

For larger images, click on the appropriate thumbnail.

© Robert George Cordery (2005)