Earthworks with towers constructed to defend the village from French invaders.
15 cannon blockhouse built at Coalhouse Point by Henry VIII as part of the general scheme of coastal defence (site flooded due to erosion of the river bank). Other blockhouses built at Tilbury, Higham, Milton and Gravesend where foundations can be seen in front of the Clarendon Hotel.
Armament of East Tilbury blockhouse increased to 27 guns with a maximum range of 1 mile.
East Tilbury blockhouse disarmed.
East Tilbury blockhouse appeared to play no significant part in the Armada preparations.
Dutch incursions into the Thames and Medway.
Tilbury Fort built to the design of Sir Bernard de Gomme.
New Tavern Fort built at Gravesend.
Four 24 pounder cannon, range 2½ miles, in a battery at East Tilbury (roughly on site of present open battery at Coalhouse Fort) in response to renewed French threats. New batteries also built at Shornemead and Lower Hope. New Tavern (at Gravesend) and Tilbury forts rearmed.
French defeated at Waterloo. Lower Thames batteries disarmed.
East Tilbury Battery greatly extended to take 17 x 32 pounder guns.
Mounting concern about the French and the development of the ironclad warship led to a complete reappraisal of coastal defences by a Royal Commission.