Shoebury Garrison

Shoebury lies at a militarily important position at the mouth of the Thames and has been used for fortifications since the Iron Age.

In the early 1800's the main testing area for artillery was at Woolwich although this became less viable given the increase of shipping into the Port of London and so in 1854 a new base was set up at Shoebury.

Weapons of all styles were tested at this site using the extensive rural area and shallow sea.

Weapon testing still takes place although this is within an area to the north of the old Garrison.

The area has been designated at a conservation area which means that many of the original buildings survive although they have now been taken into commercial and residential use.

A walk in the area quickly evokes thought or canon roaring and artillery men marching into the parade ground.

Old and new pictures of the Clock Tower entrance