The Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre

About

The Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre Established by an Act of Parliament in 1760 and completed by 1773, the Purfleet Royal Gunpowder Magazine became the main storage for gunpowder for the UK. The magazines remained in use throughout the 19th and 20th century until 1962, when the land was purchased from the M.O.D by Thurrock Council. Four of the five magazines and associated buildings were demolished to make way for housing, and Magazine No 5 was used by Thurrock council as a storage warehouse until a team of volunteers rescued it and transformed it into a heritage and military centre, with exhibits and information relating to the history of the magazine. It also contains displays on the armed forces, from the 18th century to modern times, with a particular focus on WW1, WW2 and the home front. The Centre is run entirely by dedicated volunteers and is open to the public on Wednesdays Thursdays and Sundays.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes