Tilbury Tales

Aerial view (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography Work is nearing completion at Tilbury Fort in Essex as part of an EU-funded project to protect and redevelop military defence lines in north-west Europe.

The spectacular star-shaped fort, built on the Thames estuary, formed a vital defence for London from the 16th century until the Second World War. It housed powerful artillery, a garrison to repel land attack and vast quantities of gunpowder, stored in two magazines.

Visitors to the fort will be able to explore the dark and atmospheric underground corridors, lit by replica candle lamps that links the magazines used for storing ammunition. They will also be able to listen – using an interactive touch-screen computer – to fascinating tales from local people who lived and worked in the fort during the Second World War.