South Ockendon Hospital
In February 2024, we visited what remains of South Ockendon Hospital, and were shown around the beautiful recreation hall and other surviving rooms with kind …
State Cinema, Grays
The Esse theatre was constructed in the 1930s – no surprise given its style, and was officially opened on the 5th of September 1938, with …
Bata Shoe Factory & Estate
The Bata shoe factory and estate was built in East Tilbury the 1930s by Czecheslovakian entrepeneur Thomas Bata. It was modelled on the original factory …
East Tilbury Battery
Situated just half a mile away from Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury Battery, was constructed from 1887-93 and supplemented Coalhouse Fort as part of the Thames’ …
Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Point where the Thames suddenly narrows was home to several defences since 1402, and a D-shaped artillery battery fort stood here from 1539. The …
Wing QF Battery
The Quick-Firing ‘Wing Battery’ just south-west of Coalhouse Fort inland of Coalhouse Point was constructed in 1893 to counter enemy torpedo boat technology which presented …
Coalhouse WW2 Defences & Radar Tower
Radar Tower On the river Thames foreshore just south of the fort lies an early radar tower built in the Second World War. There was …
Benfleet Pillbox
Benfleet’s pillbox stands overlooking East Haven Creek – the channel of water separating Canvey Island from the mainland. Built at around 1939/1940, the Second World War …
Rochford Airfield Anderson Shelter
Whilst exploring the site of Rochford Airfield, extending around the current London-Southend Airport, we came across what appeared to be an overgrown Anderson shelter used …