Kim & Ghost Hunting :: my experiences

Coal House Fort is a Victorian coastal defence fort, situated next to the river Thames in East Tilsbury, Essex. The fort was completed in 1874 to defend the approaches to London from the perceived threat of invasion from France and other foreign countries. It is one of many such forts built in response to the recommendations of a Royal Commission of 1860. Over the years many of these forts have been demolished or radically altered but Coalhouse, although modified to take more modern armament, has kept much of its original architectural form. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of an armoured casemated fort in the United Kingdom. The fort continued its role as a military establishment through two world wars. In 1962 the fort and surrounding works were sold to Thurrock Council. Since 1983 the fort has been leased to the Coalhouse Fort Project, a voluntary organisation, who have rescued the building from total dereliction.