 This Victorian defence fort was completed in 1874 to defend London from the threat of France and other continental countries. It was built along with others with recommendation from the Royal Commission of 1860. They are now referred as The Palmerston Forts. Over the years many of these have been demolished or altered, but Coalhouse although modified to take modern armament, still has a lot of its original architecture. The fort continued through two world wars though by World War II it had become a secondary defence. The fort and surrounding area was sold to Thurrock Council in 1962. It has been leased by a voluntary organisation, Coalhouse Fort Project since 1983, who have prevented it from becoming totally derelict, and have enabled it to be opened to the public. The arrangements for financing of the fort for regeneration are ongoing. The fort is believed to be haunted with many things being reported for e. g noises such has voices and footsteps, strange smells, sudden changes in temperature and apparitions.
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