MArch_DS23

HISTORY OF THE FORT 1539 West Tilbury Blockhouse was built in line with a national programme of fortification under Henry VIIIs Reign 1585 The Blockhouse was ne- glected but was repaired during the war between England and Spain 1647 Solidiers from the Thom- as Fairfax’s parlimen- tarian army seized the blockhouse 1668 Plans to build a larger for to replace the current. Construction took 15 years 1691 The fort was armed with 272 heavy guns 1716 2 purpose built gunpowder magazines were introduced 1746 Jacobite Rising 1799 The Fort had 17 officers and 182 men 1859 Further- work and reconstruc- tion 1902 Old obsolete guns were replaced with lighter ones which were quicker to load aim and fire 1905 National review con- cluded that an attack was low andwithdrew the guns 1915 Used to store ammu- nition and explosives. Recieved electric power and rails 1939 The chapel and guard room were sued bre- ifly as an anti aircraft operations room 1950 The army left Tilbury Fort Tilbury survey by Molly Harper