Coalhouse Fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument which means it has the highest level of protection for a historic site. The current fort dates back to Victorian times (completed in 1874) but there were also earlier fortifications on the same site. A short distance away on the East Tilbury foreshore there was once a small Tudor fort or 'Blockhouse' built during the reign of Henry VIII. In addition t
o this there are also other military structures which can be seen today, including a Victorian 'Quick Fire' Gun Battery & a Second World War Radar Tower (disguised as a water tower). Coalhouse Fort Park also has Scheduled Ancient Monument status as it surrounds the historic fort and contains all the other military structures mentioned above. Much of the parkland also has the following protection status: Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI),RAMSAR site (wetland of international importance) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Because of its location next to the River Thames and the extensive salt marshes and meadows, it is a site rich in biodiversity.
