Tales of the Thames – the Redsand Forts

They might look like something from a science fiction movie but the Redsand Forts were actually built during World War Two as part of efforts to protect shipping in the Thames Estuary. Designed by a civil engineer called Guy Maunsell, the forts consist of seven individual towers, which stand on the sea bed fourteen kilometres off shore. The towers supported large anti-aircraft guns and were home to hundreds of military personnel. Originally, they were linked by walkways but these have fallen into disrepair. Abandoned in 1958, there is now a project to renovate the Redsand Forts with plans to include a luxury hotel, recording studios and possibly a radio station. Michael John travelled to the forts aboard the X-Pilot, a classic Thames pilot vessel which makes regular trips to the forts and which is available for charter. This fascinating programme offers a glimpse into a largely forgotten chapter of European military history. For more information about the forts, visit: http://maunsellseaforts.com/ To charter the X-Pilot, go to: http://x-pilot.co.uk/index.htm