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Educational Offer
A Victorian Fort that saw action in both World Wars set in a park recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Our rich and diverse education programme encourages pupil learning as they discover the ecology, history and curious stories that surround the fort.
School visits are best suited for primary and early-stage secondary studies. With advance notice, we can adapt our programmes to fit with a particular topic being covered by your school.
Our activities
Our programme of activities is designed to have strong links with the national curriculum for geography, history, literacy, maths and science.
During visits, children have access to the inside of the fort and our education room. In the park, there is a large area of meadow and marsh with a small woodland where they can engage with the outdoors.
Programmes usually start at 10am and continue to 2:30pm for primary school children or 3pm for secondary school students. These times can be made flexible to suit your needs.
Links to Topic Activities
Site Contact Details
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Email: coalhouseenquiries@thurrock.gov.uk
Location
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Tilbury RM18 8QD, UK
Site Summary
- One of a number of forts built in the 19th century to protect England from invasion by the French.
- Built between 1861 and 1874.
- The fort cost an estimated £130,000.
- Forts were also built on the opposite side of the Thames in Kent, at Cliffe and Shorenmead.
- Used again during the First and Second World Wars.
- During the Second World War Coalhouse Fort was a Degausing Monitor Station to help protect shipping from magnetic mines that were being deployed in the Thames estuary.
- It was closed following the abolition of Coastal Defence in 1956 and used as storage for shoes until the early 1960s.
- The Coalhouse Fort Project was set up in 1983 by a dedicated team of volunteers with the aim of restoring the fort.
- Set within several acres of Green Flag parkland.
- The park is of great ecological significance.
- Salt marsh of international importance.
Site History
Coalhouse Fort was built between 1861 and 1874 – partly under the direction of General Gordon (of Khartoum) – and was one of a number of forts built to fortify the Thames estuary. It stands within a parkland setting and features a number of World War 2 gunnery posts.
Land of the Fanns Teacher Briefing
Some sites have a Teacher Briefing available at the top of the page, but the following download is a general Teacher Briefing for The Land of the Fanns. We recommend you download this briefing before visiting any of the sites listed on this resource.
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