Visit to Tilbury Fort September 2010

Our visit to Tilbury Fort started off well but quickly ran into difficulties. We assembled on a cold but bright and dry day at the car park of the old pub, the World’s End. We had not expected it to be open at this relatively early hour but the landlady, seeing us gathered outside, invited us in for coffee. Inside is quite fascinating, quite different from what you might expect in such an industrialised area. Of course it dates back to the time of Samuel Pepys when he was Secretary to the Navy and often visited here. Inside is a stone flagged floor, exposed beams, many notices and pictures painted on the walls depicting past times and a great collection of sailing gear.
I had some difficulty in drawing the members out of the pub and towards the fort but finally we arrived at the Water Gate, a very imposing piece of architecture dating back to the early days of the fort.
I went into the office to inform the staff of the arrival of over 20 visitors and to organise the issue of the audio guides only to be told that there was an electricity failure and none of the buildings could be lit. After the initial panic we decided that the visit could go ahead because much of interest is outside and while we were exploring the electricity might be restored.
So all the visitors crowded into the office to pick up their audio guides and then we gathered outside and began to listen to the commentary, only to find that the first objective was back through the office.
This was the first of several rather confusing instructions which resulted in the whole group moving as one round the fort at first and then gradually dispersing to all points of the compass as various small groups interpreted the instructions differently. (We have suggested that numbers are attached to the points of interest to make it easier to match up with the instructions).
However it did not spoil the occasion as we were able to visit all the interesting features even if not in the intended sequence and also the electricity was restored so we did not miss anything.
The group enjoyed themselves wandering round the battlements with stunning views of the Thames, visiting the Chapel, the gunpowder magazines, the Officer’s quarters and even aiming the guns.
Afterwards we adjourned to the World’s End for lunch, which was very enjoyable and discussed the day’s events.
An excellent day after a shaky start.