Summary

A two-storey minefield control tower which still stands 50 yards to the N of Coalhouse Fort.

Full description

During WWII the River Thames was defended by an electrically-fired minefield. This was connected to a two-storey minefield control tower which still stands 50 yards to the N of Coalhouse Fort. It is 15' square, constructed of concrete and has six machine-gun apertures at ground level and one large observation aperture on the first-floor. On the roof, originally accessible from the interior, is a small square observation position. A steel ladder leads from the ground to first-floor. Three photos of site. <1>

Site Assessment = The entire structure is in good condition and stands as a well-preserved example of a rare monument type.

<1> Nash, Fred, 1996, WWII defences, three frames (Photograph). SEX31461.

<2> Tyler, Sue, 2000, CP/00/9/13 (AP). SEX60359.

<3> Smith, Joanna, 2007, East Tilbury, Essex - Historic Area Appraisal, mentioned in appraisal (DESC TEXT). SEX70042.

Monument Types

• Minefield Control Tower (WWII, Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Protected Status

• Historic Environment Character Area: Thames Gateway 110
• Historic Environment Character Area: Thames Gateway 3
• Historic Environment Character Zone: Thames Gateway 117_2
• Historic Environment Character Area: Thames Gateway 117
• Scheduled Monument () 1013943: Coalhouse Fort battery and artillery defences
• Historic Environment Character Zone: Thames Gateway 117_1
• Historic Environment Character Zone: Thames Gateway 110_2

Sources and further reading

Related records

Images

East Tilbury - Coalhouse Fort, Quick Firing Battery © Essex County Council

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