Slough Fort: Allhallows
Come and enjoy a guided tour of Slough Fort, A Fort overlooking the Thames at Allhallows.
During the mid 19th century Britain and France found themselves in a ‘Cold War’.
As a result of the French building a new fleet of modern steam and sail ironclads, armed with the new rifled guns, and their building of a new naval port at Cherbourg, the public faith in the Royal Navy to protect the country from a possible invasion was low. Britain’s fleet was still the same type of ships that had beaten the French at Trafalgar in 1805.
The British response was a ‘crash’ naval building programme to out build the French with ironclad warships armed with rifled guns, to improve naval bases and to start a massive national scheme to upgrade the coastal defences.
This Fort was built during the 1860’s as part of the Thames and Medway Defences, along with Grain Fort to the east, Cliffe Fort to the west and Coalhouse and Shoeburyness Forts on the other side of the river. This Fort also protected the northern approach to Chatham.
In 1875 it was armed with seven 7 inch RBL guns which were protected by iron sheets. In 1895 gun batteries were added at either side to strengthen the defences and two 6 inch and two 9.2 inch BL guns were installed. It was disarmed in 1912 and sold off in 1926.
Slough fort is a charity and community project that is restoring the fort built to defend the Thames Estuary.
The fort grounds only are available at selected days/times to view. The idea is to let the public view the grounds with the thought that if you are interested in learning more you will book yourself on either a Wednesday tour or Sunday tour. There are numerous picnic tables around the site for you to enjoy.
Hear about the history of this site and how it is being restored for future generations to enjoy. The tour lasts between 1.5-2 hours. We kindly ask that all those who do wish to attend arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Entrance to Slough Fort for Guided Tours is via Haven Holiday Park, Allhallows. We ask that all visitors drive past the Slough Fort sign and enter the Haven site, and ask for directions at the Gatehouse. They will be able to direct you to the Car Park, and from there it is just a short walk up to the Fort.
For tours only if you are using SAT NAV, the postcode is ME3 9QD