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Kent Explore History
United Kingdom
Приєднався 23 бер 2018
Documenting Kent's and other counties hidden pasts.
New video every Wednesday.
New video every Wednesday.
Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Fort is a 19th-century artillery fort located on the northern bank of the River Thames near East Tilbury in Essex, England. Built as part of a series of coastal defenses, it has a long and storied history reflecting Britain’s evolving military technology and strategic needs.
The site where Coalhouse Fort now stands has been recognized for its defensive potential since the Tudor period. The first documented fortifications were constructed during the reign of King Henry VIII in response to the growing threat of invasion from Europe. These early defenses were part of a broader coastal defense strategy aimed at protecting the Thames Estuary, a vital approach to London.
The modern Coalhouse Fort was constructed between 1861 and 1874, during a period of heightened concern about the threat posed by the French navy under Emperor Napoleon III. The fort was designed as a polygonal structure, a departure from earlier circular designs, to accommodate rifled muzzle-loading (RML) guns, which had greater range and power than their predecessors. It was built using concrete and brick, reflecting advancements in military architecture.
The fort was equipped with heavy armaments, including 11-inch and 9-inch RML guns, to defend against ironclad warships. Its position on a bend of the Thames gave it a commanding view of the river, enabling it to protect the approach to London.
Coalhouse Fort underwent significant modifications in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate changes in military technology. By the time of World War I, the fort’s armaments had been updated to include quick-firing guns and searchlights to counter smaller, faster vessels.
During World War II, the fort played a critical role as part of Britain’s coastal defense network. It was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and searchlight emplacements, serving as a base for defending against German air raids and protecting convoys traveling along the Thames.
The site where Coalhouse Fort now stands has been recognized for its defensive potential since the Tudor period. The first documented fortifications were constructed during the reign of King Henry VIII in response to the growing threat of invasion from Europe. These early defenses were part of a broader coastal defense strategy aimed at protecting the Thames Estuary, a vital approach to London.
The modern Coalhouse Fort was constructed between 1861 and 1874, during a period of heightened concern about the threat posed by the French navy under Emperor Napoleon III. The fort was designed as a polygonal structure, a departure from earlier circular designs, to accommodate rifled muzzle-loading (RML) guns, which had greater range and power than their predecessors. It was built using concrete and brick, reflecting advancements in military architecture.
The fort was equipped with heavy armaments, including 11-inch and 9-inch RML guns, to defend against ironclad warships. Its position on a bend of the Thames gave it a commanding view of the river, enabling it to protect the approach to London.
Coalhouse Fort underwent significant modifications in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate changes in military technology. By the time of World War I, the fort’s armaments had been updated to include quick-firing guns and searchlights to counter smaller, faster vessels.
During World War II, the fort played a critical role as part of Britain’s coastal defense network. It was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and searchlight emplacements, serving as a base for defending against German air raids and protecting convoys traveling along the Thames.
Переглядів: 21
Відео
Dragons Teeth Isle Of Grain
Переглядів 50Місяць тому
These anti tank obstacles were constructed around 1940 to prevent enemy armoured vehicles from heading in land and stretches 570m along the foreshore. This section consists of concrete asymmetric anti-tank pimples also known as dragons teeth with a pile of anti tank caltrops at the far end. Coastal erosion has caused damages to the defences with a large section of the line now lost or buried.
Return Look at Rosherville Gardens Clifftop Entrance
Переглядів 912 місяці тому
The pleasure gardens started life in 1837 being built in an excavated chalk pit. This Victorian stairway was excavated and completed in 1869 to enable another way of access into the pleasure gardens below that were situated in a disused chalk pit. The gardens comprised of a lookout tower which sat on an outcropping of rock, a terrace, a bear pit (which is still intact to this day albeit covered...
St Margaret’s Bay Defence Tunnels
Переглядів 2345 місяців тому
These tunnels were possibly smugglers tunnels or linked to the former gun battery at the top of the cliffs. During the early part World War Two the tunnels were converted for defence of the beach which was considered a likely invasion point. There were two observation/ machine gun posts looking out from the complex towards the channel. The tunnels are lined with tin and brick at regular interva...
A Return Flight to WWI German U Boat Wreck: UB-122
Переглядів 2,2 тис.6 місяців тому
Situated within a creek on the River Medway are the Wrecks of 3 WWI German U Boats. At the end of WWI the Germans surrendered 100 of their U Boats due to the armistice, these were taken to Harwich, some of them being sent to naval dockyards for scrapping and some to the French Navy. Three of the U Boats were purchased by a Cement Works in Halling, Medway. It is believed this particular U Boat c...
Warden Point CHL Station: More Drone Footage
Переглядів 496 місяців тому
In May 1941 Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey was chosen for an Army Coast Defence Radar site. It’s purpose was to reinforce the radar defences along the coast against any German seaborne invasion. Originally the site was only supposed to be temporary but by the following year the site had became permanent. The station was used to plot positions of e-boats in the Thames estuary and thus was d...
Curtis’s and Harvey Explosives Works: Drone Footage
Переглядів 459 місяців тому
The explosives factory began life as a gunpowder works in 1892 by Hay, Merricks and Company, gunpowder makers of Roslin, Scotland. The works was a specialised gunpowder works engaging only in the finishing operations of gunpowder. In 1898 the works were acquired by Curtis's & Harvey who, by this time had a 50% interest of the British gunpowder industry. The flat, open and remoteness of the site...
Gravesend Blockhouse
Переглядів 379 місяців тому
The Gravesend Blockhouse was ordered by King Henry VIII as part of his device plan in response to fears of an imminent invasion by European countries. The blockhouse was constructed between 1539 and 1541. Its strategic location at Gravesend allowed it to control river traffic and protect against potential attacks from the sea. The Gravesend Blockhouse was a typical artillery fortification of it...
Tilbury Fort: Photos
Переглядів 4810 місяців тому
Tilbury Fort, situated on the north bank of the River Thames in Essex, England, has a history dating back to the 16th century. The fort was initially constructed by King Henry VIII in the 16th century to defend against potential invasion and secure the approaches to London along the Thames. Tilbury Fort gained historical prominence during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1588, as the Spanish ...
Replica WW1 Trenches
Переглядів 11310 місяців тому
These trenches were created so that people could experience what life was like in the trenches during WWI. Photos can be found here: www.kentexplorehistory.com/post/replica-wwi-trenches
Upnor Castle
Переглядів 21210 місяців тому
Upnor Castle, situated on the River Medway in Kent, England, has a history dating back to the Elizabethan era. Built between 1559 and 1567 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the castle was originally designed as a gun fortification to protect Chatham Dockyard and the fleet anchored in the Medway. During the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the 17th century, particularly the Raid on the Medway in 1667, U...
HMS Medway
Переглядів 87310 місяців тому
HMS Medway is a Batch 2 River Class offshore patrol vessel. Built by BAE Systems on the River Clyde. She was laid down on the 8th June 2015, launched 23rd August 2017 and christened on 20th October 2017. BAE commenced sea trials with her on the 9th November 2018 with these being completed by 11th December 2018. The trials took a total of 75 days, a record not seen since World War Two. She was t...
Chatham Dockyard: Drone Photos
Переглядів 7711 місяців тому
Chatham Dockyard, located on the River Medway in Kent, England, has a storied history dating back to the 16th century. Established during the reign of Henry VIII, Chatham quickly became one of the Royal Navy’s primary shipbuilding and repair facilities. Over the centuries, it played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding Britain’s naval power. During the Napoleonic Wars, Chatham Dockyard r...
Corfe Castle
Переглядів 7911 місяців тому
Corfe Castle’s history dates back to the late 10th century when it was founded by King Edward the Martyr. However, its most notable chapter began with the construction initiated by William the Conqueror around 1066. Over the centuries, the castle evolved, becoming a strategic stronghold and a royal residence. During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Corfe Castle played a key role. It w...
Camber Castle
Переглядів 8311 місяців тому
Camber Castle, also known formerly as Winchelsea Castle, is a 16th-century Device Fort, built King Henry VIII near Rye to protect the Sussex coast of England against French attack. The first fortification on the site was a small, round artillery tower built between 1512 and 1514. Due to increasing tensions with France in 1539, Henry rethought his coastal defence plans with Camber Castle being r...
Chatham Dockyard: The Timbers of HMS Namur
Переглядів 1252 роки тому
Chatham Dockyard: The Timbers of HMS Namur
Where is the location of this cause I would like to go👍
Beautiful footage.
Many thanks!
Absolutely fascinating history, such a shame it is being left to be vandalised and degrade.
👍
They are not bullet holes they are steps and it's a Canadian build Bollingbrooke
I believe he’s mentioning the holes in the fuselage at around the 3min 25sec mark of the video. Also we clearly state that this is the combination of 4 Canadian built Bristol Bolingbrooke’s within the video description.
👍
Great explore this
Thanks
Ive never been brave enough to climb up to explore this one. Some people actually got stuck up there a couple of years ago.
It’s not too bad.
Interesting. Before I finally read the description, I thought it had been a lighthouse disaster like Scotch Cap, Unimak Island.
The earth takes all the hatred of humanity on itself
This is my favorite aircraft since i was kid , hopefully the enggines be restored with German version
damn where this at, the history of it is so amazing
Gravesend
whereabouts?
Gravesend
@@KentExploreHistoryguessing ur not saying anymore than that 😭
looks well cool
shame on the last owners shame on you,
Last owner was murdered this was restored on salvage squad in early noughties
Isn’t it ww2 u boat
Nope, definitely WWI
Why isn’t it in SA or Middle East? UK is already short ships in NATO and their colonies.
This video is from when she returned to Chatham for her commissioning ceremony in 2019.
Is this the one up near Elham?
No these aren’t the Hawthorne ones.
Airships are very interesting
They are indeed
Great video
Thank you.
Beautiful. Great shots. These huge castle ruins, well presented, are impressive. I liked. I fly drone too the ruins. Good job. Greetings from Poland😊
Thank you very much!
Lots to imagine.
Beautiful, would of loved to see it in its prime.
You and me both!
Too bad not very many of these old planes still exist, a lot of functional aircraft were dumped to the scrapyards giving no thought to history. Its as if everyone is trying to bury history or we're ashamed of winning the war. And the waste continues. I'm bummed.
It’s definitely a shame.
Would I be right in thinking that that's the biggest bit of Stirling in existance. Certainly the biggest recognisable part.
There are a fair few large pieces around. Two of which are sections of fuselage in France and Holland, also the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston in Kent also have a section of fuselage on display. It is believed LK488s remains are the largest known to exist though.
where is it on google earth
It’s a museum.
@@KentExploreHistoryok
Where is this now? - I sat in this as an aviation obsessed boy on Mickle Fell over 45 years ago!
RAF Museum, Hendon
This place certainly would of been on the Luftwaffe don't fly over list.
Definitely an avoid at all costs job.
Amazing aircraft
It certainly is.
Nice vid, they are things of beauty
Yes they are!
I remember going here years ago 😮
That was awesome.
Thank you.
Amazing, I only passed through this part of the world from Vienna to Krakow on the train, many things I would of liked to see there. Terrible conditions for the prisoners, imagine being locked up in one of those cells.
p̾r̾o̾m̾o̾s̾m̾ 💪
Nice, you can tell military stuff by the little arrow printed on the item, I still use my plastic Army mug I was issued in 1979, I got 2 of them, no one was watching so I lined up twice, wish I had done that with my M16.
Amazing, place is huge
It was a fair size.
The pics of those aircraft were in amazing detail, especially that Bi plane, saw that sailing ship again, very beautiful. Thanks for preserving real history before its gone forever.
You’re welcome, that’s our aim to preserve as much as we can in video and photo.
That was amazing, If you ever go on a holiday, check out the Wolfschanze in East Poland, I went in 1999, if you like Bunkers, these are the ultimate.
Brilliant, Thanks. Loved the WW2 art, the detail in that sailing ship was outstanding, its a shame kids have spray painted rubbish over some it, now its lost forever.
It definitely is frustrating but we do try and photograph as much wartime graffiti that we can do there is at least some sort of record of it.
Glad your back with the vids 😀
Spitfire spitfire
I went here
Very cool, looks quite modern for 1874 compared to others.
Interesting place. Thank you.
A wonderful piece of history.
An interesting view into the past and present, thank you very much.
This is a very interesting place. I like the arched doorways. Thanks for this! Be safe out there!
Amazing old place
What a pity to see those horrendous graffitis and trashes, these sites should have been protected against idiocy. Thanks for the video though.
Unfortunately that’s the way it seems to be going these days, government and councils would rather allow historical sites to fall into ruin rather than protect and restore them.
Short but sweet! Love these old wrecks... relics of a violent past slowly rusting away. Awesome drone shots and the choice of music was just perfect.
Thanks for the support.