People and places of historical interest in Thurrock

Purfleet
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A typical gun of the period

Purfleet falls within the parish of West Thurrock. In the reign of George III, Purfleet Garrison was built to service 5 powder magazines, arising from concern that powder stored at Woolwich presented a potential danger to London. One of these magazines (No.5) and the proofing house has been preserved. The magazines were built of brick with thickly copper plated doors. The nails are copper and the roof space was filled with sand. There are no windows. All designed to protect the surrounding area should an explosion occur. The magazines could house 50,000 barrels of gunpowder.

See "Exploring Thurrock" by Chris Harrold and Panorama 28.