Coalhouse Fort is a Victorian fort designed to protect London from attack. It’s located on the North bank of the River Thames at East Tilbury. Today, it’s a military museum, and it’s also home to a permanent amateur radio station.
The Coalhouse Fort Radio Society is a small group of amateurs that get together to activate this historic fort during the various Coalhouse Fort open days which happen throughout the year. The station’s callsign is GB1CHF and the station is equipped for VHF and HF operation.
| 2021: We understand that the club no longer has access to Coalhouse Fort |
Coalhouse Fort Location
Location: Princess Margaret Road, Tilbury, Essex RM18 8PB
Coalhouse Fort Photos
Here are a few pictures of the fort, and the GB1CHF shack:
The station is normally only active on a public open day, and only when volunteers are available. The club doesn’t have a website, so check the Coalhouse Fort site for dates of public open days, or scroll down for dates from our events calendar
More on Coalhouse Fort
The fort houses several displays of artillery and military vehicles, as well as various displays and exhibits. When visiting, it’s well worth going on the guided tour of the fort – these run frequently, don’t last too long, and are included in the admission price.
Radio enthusiasts may want to take a look around the fort’s museum, where there are a few radio artifacts. On our tour, Essex Ham Sarah M6PSK found the following gem – A Marconi Type 354N ‘HUFF DUFF’ high frequency navigational direction finding aerial – These were used from the 1930s on civil and naval vessels until circa 1942. An updated version can be found on the HMS Belfast, currently moored in Central London.
To find out more, and for details of public open days, go to www.coalhousefort.co.uk
Fort admission prices are £4 for adults, £3 concessions and 50p for children
Amateur Radio Events at Coalhouse Fort
Here is a list of events, from our Essex Ham Radio Events Calendar – It’s advisable to check first before travelling as the station is only staffed when operators are available.
[ai1ec view=”agenda” tag_name=”Coalhouse Fort”]
keep up the good work ,I Remember coal house fort when I was a young child coming over to visit your site with my dear departed dad who you may know mr Royston crone from linford now hes had a mina stoke and he only lasted about a week you might also know his wife juile crone shes still with us ,but he will be sorly missed your not the one on a battle ship in london sorry cant remember what the battle ship in londons called oh well keep up with the good work yours his son jonathan .