Tilbury Fort is a superb example of a 17th century coastal fortification designed for Charles II by his chief designer Sir Bernard de Gomme. The Fort is open throughout the year; please visit the website for more information about opening hours and facilities. History of Tilbury FortAfter the successful attack of the Medway by the Danish Navy the Thames approach to London was in need of improvement. The origins of the Fort date back to 1539, when Henry VIII had a blockhouse fort built in this strategic position where the river narrows. To defend London and its dockyards from impending attack from Europe, after making himself head of the Church of England, to divorce his first wife. Elizabeth I visited the Fort whilst making her way to West Tilbury camp, where she delivered her famous speech to rally her troops against the Spanish Armada in 1588. The captured Jacobites rebels from the battle of Culloden where imprisoned here from 1746 to 1747. In the 18th and 19th century, continued to develop its armaments’ to keep pace with the technological advancements of the time. The Fort played a large part in the First World War, where it retained supplies and storage for the front. Troops were prepared hear for the trenches. The Fort was also instrumental in bring down a zeppelin. In the Second World War, the Fort continued to be used to defend London as it provided anti aircraft flack and home guard defense. It continued to be owned by the MOD until 1950 when it became a historic monument. Visit the DiscoverME website for HeritageSite telephone: 01375 858489Customer Services: 0870 333 1181No 2 Office Block,Do you have anything to add to this page? Click below to submit your content.