Uploaded October 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Coalhouse Fort Occupies A Strategic Location On The North Bank Of The River Thames, Fronted By Salt-Marshes. Construction Begun In 1861 To Counter The Threat Of A French Invasion And Is One Of The Most Important Military Sites In Essex.
The strategic importance of this area was recognised as far back as 1402 when a system of earthworks was erected to defend from a possible French attack. Then in 1540, Henry VIII built a blockhouse armed with 15 cannon as part of his system of coastal defences. Henry's blockhouse is now underwater due to erosion of the river bank.
Coalhouse was just one of several coastal forts to be built or strengthened in the mid-19th century, along with nearby Shornemeade and Cliffe.
The enhancements at Coalhouse were intended to counter the threat of new iron-clad ships developed by the French navy. To deal with the iron-clad threat, Coalhouse was supplied with massive guns that could fire armour-piercing missiles. The guns were so powerful that the when they were fired, the shockwaves could break windows 1/2 mile away.
In 1865 Lt. Col. George Gordon (later to become General Gordon of Khartoum) supervised the completion of the forts along the Thames, including Coalhouse. The fort was completed in 1874. In its final configuration it held 3 9-inch shell-firing guns in an open battery, and 11-inch guns in bombproof casements. The casements were built of granite reinforced with iron, and 5 foot thick roofs of brick and concrete.
Interestingly, Coalhouse has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators; visitors have reported hearing eerie voices, and heavy footsteps following them down tunnels. Strange figures have appeared and disappeared, and objects move without anyone near them.
One spectre dubbed 'Harry' by volunteers, seems to inhabit the washroom area and has been known to throw chairs.
#coalhousefort #essex #historyvideo
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Welcome to Stephen and Yhana History and Adventure Hunters
Stephen and Yhana are a duo of adventure seekers and they record their adventures for YouTube.
THEY - TREASURE HUNT / VISIT HISTORICAL / CULTURAL / FUN LOCATIONS that all the family can enjoy and they write and narrate wonderful stories from history and the world of genealogy.
(Sometimes... even whilst cycling or kayaking.)
They are uncle and niece (Stephen being Yhana's legal guardian and has been since she was three weeks old.) At Home - It is just the two of them and they both share a common interest and that’s exploring and adventure seeking.
Stephen Robert Kuta, is also an author, genealogist, historian, photographer and a keen traveller.
Yhana loves YouTube, Ice cream, theme parks and the Romans.
Our goal is to create content which focuses on history, genealogy and adventure - This includes future published material as well as film creation.
We would love your support,
So please Join our adventure and support our journey by hitting that SUBSCRIBE Button.
*** STAY IN TOUCH !! ***
SUBSCRIBE and follow our journey for more interesting videos.
You can discover lots more about Stephen and Yhana by using the links below -
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FACEBOOK👉 facebook.com/stephenrobertkuta
GENEALOGY👉 thelivesofmyancestors.com
KUTA FAMILY NAME RESEARCH 👉 houseofkuta.com
DNA RESEARCH 👉 dnaofmyancestors.com
WIKIPEDIA 👉 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Robert_Kuta
Music featured in our videos is licensed by Epidemic Sound
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Coalhouse Fort Occupies A Strategic Location On The North Bank Of The River Thames, Fronted By Salt-Marshes. Construction Begun In 1861 To Counter The Threat Of A French Invasion And Is One Of The Most Important Military Sites In Essex.
The strategic importance of this area was recognised as far back as 1402 when a system of earthworks was erected to defend from a possible French attack. Then in 1540, Henry VIII built a blockhouse armed with 15 cannon as part of his system of coastal defences. Henry's blockhouse is now underwater due to erosion of the river bank.
Coalhouse was just one of several coastal forts to be built or strengthened in the mid-19th century, along with nearby Shornemeade and Cliffe.
The enhancements at Coalhouse were intended to counter the threat of new iron-clad ships developed by the French navy. To deal with the iron-clad threat, Coalhouse was supplied with massive guns that could fire armour-piercing missiles. The guns were so powerful that the when they were fired, the shockwaves could break windows 1/2 mile away.
In 1865 Lt. Col. George Gordon (later to become General Gordon of Khartoum) supervised the completion of the forts along the Thames, including Coalhouse. The fort was completed in 1874. In its final configuration it held 3 9-inch shell-firing guns in an open battery, and 11-inch guns in bombproof casements. The casements were built of granite reinforced with iron, and 5 foot thick roofs of brick and concrete.
Interestingly, Coalhouse has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators; visitors have reported hearing eerie voices, and heavy footsteps following them down tunnels. Strange figures have appeared and disappeared, and objects move without anyone near them.
One spectre dubbed 'Harry' by volunteers, seems to inhabit the washroom area and has been known to throw chairs.
#coalhousefort #essex #historyvideo
***
If you enjoy our content why not support our creative process on Patreon, buy us a coffee or use the special thanks button beneath this video.
Yhana and I will mention your support in one of our upcoming videos.
*** 👉 buymeacoffee.com/stephenandyhana
*** 👉 patreon.com/stephenandyhana ***
***
Welcome to Stephen and Yhana History and Adventure Hunters
Stephen and Yhana are a duo of adventure seekers and they record their adventures for YouTube.
THEY - TREASURE HUNT / VISIT HISTORICAL / CULTURAL / FUN LOCATIONS that all the family can enjoy and they write and narrate wonderful stories from history and the world of genealogy.
(Sometimes... even whilst cycling or kayaking.)
They are uncle and niece (Stephen being Yhana's legal guardian and has been since she was three weeks old.) At Home - It is just the two of them and they both share a common interest and that’s exploring and adventure seeking.
Stephen Robert Kuta, is also an author, genealogist, historian, photographer and a keen traveller.
Yhana loves YouTube, Ice cream, theme parks and the Romans.
Our goal is to create content which focuses on history, genealogy and adventure - This includes future published material as well as film creation.
We would love your support,
So please Join our adventure and support our journey by hitting that SUBSCRIBE Button.
*** STAY IN TOUCH !! ***
SUBSCRIBE and follow our journey for more interesting videos.
You can discover lots more about Stephen and Yhana by using the links below -
INSTAGRAM 👉 instagram.com/s.r.kuta
FACEBOOK👉 facebook.com/stephenrobertkuta
GENEALOGY👉 thelivesofmyancestors.com
KUTA FAMILY NAME RESEARCH 👉 houseofkuta.com
DNA RESEARCH 👉 dnaofmyancestors.com
WIKIPEDIA 👉 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Robert_Kuta
Music featured in our videos is licensed by Epidemic Sound
epidemicsound.com/referral/avumwt
