Tilbury Fort

Description

The artillery fort at Tilbury on the Thames estuary protected London's seaward approach from the 16th century through to World War II. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort was begun in 1672 under Charles II: it is much the best example of its type in England, with its complete circuit of moats and bastioned outworks still substantially surviving. The fort mounted powerful artillery to command the river, as well as landward defences. Later, two magazines were constructed to store vast quantities of gunpowder. In one of these a new exhibition traces the role of the fort in the defence of London. Perhaps because of its strength, Tilbury Fort has never been involved in the kind of action for which it was designed. The worst bloodshed within the fort occurred in 1776, when a fight following a Kent-Essex cricket match left a cricketer and the fort's sergeant dead.

Visitors can now enter north-east bastion. For those with an interest in military history there are new displays of guns and gunpowder barrels, and information on advances in military engineering. The recently revised audio tour includes Elizabeth I's Armada speech, and a description of life at the fort by Nathan Makepiece, the fort's Master Gunner. The interpretation scheme in the north-east bastion magazine passages and an interactive oral history programme provide every visitor with a fascinating new insight into Tilbury. Sharpe, the TV historical drama set during the Napoleonic Wars.

How to get here

By Road: We are located 1/2 a mile east of Tilbury off the A126, close to the Port of Tilbury
By Train: Tilbury Town railway station is approxamately 1 1/2 miles
By Bus: Rail shuttle from Tilbury railway station to Tilbury Ferry, then 1/4 mile

Admission

Please visit our website for our current prices.

English Heritage Members.....Free - Join English Heritage

Facilities

Facilities
• Toilets: Adapted WC with level access, within fort.
• Shop: Accessed via 3 steps.
• Refreshments: Snacks available and picnics welcome in grounds.

Access
• Access to buildings: Via level cobbled surface, tarmac and gravel paths, and smooth grass. Level access to magazines, fort square and some underground workings. Seats available.
• Exhibition: Level access.
• Grounds: Steep slopes or steps to ramparts and some gun emplacements.

Parking
• Beside entrance. Loose gravel surface.

Hearing Impaired Visitors
• Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Tour includes Elizabeth I's Armada speech and a description of life at the fort by Nathan Makepeace, the Fort's Master Gunner.

Group facilities

• Group Discount: 15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
• Coach Parking Facilities: 4 coaches close to the site with overspill facilities
• Group Booking: Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1375 858489
• Average Length of Visit: 1 1/2 hours

Opening times

Please visit our website for our current opening times.

Further information

Dogs on leads only in restricted areas.
Disabled access (exterior, magazines and fort square).