Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPurfleet magazine

Purfleet magazine

England
List entry 1005561
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Purfleet Magazine is a gunpowder storage facility located in Purfleet, Essex, constructed in the eighteenth century to serve the defensive and military needs of the Thames estuary. The magazine was built as part of the fortification infrastructure protecting London's approaches from the river, reflecting the strategic importance of this location during a period of naval rivalry and imperial expansion. The structure represents a typical example of Georgian-era military architecture designed specifically for the safe storage and management of explosives, with construction techniques and layout intended to minimize risk from accidental detonation. The site remains a significant record of eighteenth-century military engineering and the Thames estuary's role in England's coastal defence strategy.

Purfleet magazine is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005561. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Purfleet magazine?

Purfleet Magazine is a gunpowder storage facility located in Purfleet, Essex, constructed in the eighteenth century to serve the defensive and military needs of the Thames estuary. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005561.

Who is responsible for protecting Purfleet magazine?

Purfleet magazine is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1005561.

What other scheduled monuments are near Purfleet magazine?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dovecote at High House, Purfleet (1.9 km), Howbury moated site (2.9 km), Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Darenth Park (5.9 km).

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