Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Fort was built between 1861 and 1874 – partly under the direction of General Gordon (of Khartoum) – and was one of a number of forts built to fortify the Thames estuary. It stands within a large area of parkland and features several World War 2 gunnery posts.
As part of the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort project, families are invited to get creative at Coalhouse Fort over the summer holidays, with unique activities inspired by the fort and its surroundings.
The next Walk in the Coalhouse Fort Park is on Wednesday, 19 August at 11am. This guided walk, will cover the fascinating military history of the site as well as an exploration of the local wildlife. Our FREE walks take place every month and cover different subject areas each time. No need to book, just turn up and meet outside fort gates, near the café.
This August, Children and families can help create a giant artwork and living soundscapes, as well as enjoy theatre and puppetry. The free events are part of the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort project and organised by Start Thurrock.
Book your Fort family adventure:
Collaborative Artwork with Kinetika, Thursday 20 August
Come together to create a large-scale artwork in the fort’s Parade Ground using locally sourced objects and recycled materials found around the Fort. Ten creative sessions held throughout the day will result in a ‘mandala’ artwork being created. Traditionally a symbol of resilience and hope, the artwork will remain at the fort throughout the summer.
Fort Explorers - The Coalhouse Living Soundscape Orchestra, Monday 24 August
Artist Kelly Buckley will lead five family workshops throughout the day exploring the sounds of Coalhouse Fort, past and present. Families can experience a ‘sound walk’ and create a map of all the sounds they hear - footsteps, river sounds, voices, weather, boats – and then come together to create a live “Fort Orchestra”, layering sounds inspired by the wind, river, walls and imagined moments from the fort’s history.
Upstream Outdoor Theatre and Puppetry show by Smoking Apples, Thursday 27 August
This magical, interactive outdoor show has themes around rivers and the environment and will be performed with the dramatic backdrop of the River Thames. Follow the story of Lyra, the little marsh girl, who has noticed the river is getting cloudier and otters don’t play there anymore. Lyra meets Old Mother River, a spectacular 3-metre-tall puppet, with willow hair and a beautiful face, and together they dive into her memory pool to discover what has happened to the river and why everyone must do something to help. There will be two performances on the day.
All activities are free. Booking essential for some activities.
Visit Coming to Coalhouse Fort in August - Start Thurrock for more info and to book your space.
Share your memories of the Fort
The Coalhouse Fort is much loved by generations of residents and many have special memories of visits. And we really want to hear about them!
Tell us about your memories by sending us just a few words and, if possible, a picture to: catherine@wearebigwavepr.co.uk
