SHIVERING SANDS MAUNSELL FORT: A Piece of WWII History

/ Essex, UK Travel / By
OLD Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort photo with "Shivering Sands" text over it

SHIVERING SANDS MAUNSELL FORT: A PIECE OF WWII HISTORY

EXLORING THE SHIVERING SANDS MAUNSELL FORT

Have you ever gazed out at the Thames Estuary and wondered about the mysterious structures looming on the horizon? On a sunny October Sunday morning, we set sail from Leigh-on-Sea to explore the iconic Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort. Designed by Guy Anson Maunsell, the fort was strategically positioned in the Thames Estuary, 9.2 miles from the nearest land, to defend against aerial and sea threats in WWII.

As we approached the Shivering Sands, I felt a sense of awe and eeriness, akin to a scene from a post-apocalyptic film. Many others have shared similar feelings upon seeing this imposing structures. Weather permitting, its once interconnected towers, designed to house anti-aircraft guns and radar systems, can be spotted from Shoeburyness East Beach.

Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort, a historic sea fort in the Thames Estuary, was one of many highlights of our private boat trip with Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips. We couldn’t wait to see these iconic structures up close.

COMING SOON: Keep a look out for our blog of the full itinerary of the boat trip.

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OLD Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort
OLD Black and white silhouette of Shivering Sands

The History of Shivering Sands

Constructed as a vital part of Britain’s anti-aircraft defences during World War II, Shivering Sands was strategically positioned to protect the Thames Estuary. These heavily armed towers, initially built on land in Gravesend, Kent, were later towed out to their final location and grounded in 1943.

OLD Shivering Sands being built in Gravesend, Kent
Offshore Radio Museum (n.d.) Shivering Sands Fort under construction at Gravesend
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Frontline Ulster (n.d.) Layout of the Army Maunsell Forts incorporating 4 gun platforms, a Bofors emplacement for light anti-aircraft protection and a searchlight.

Shivering Sands was one of three Army-constructed Maunsell Forts, along with Red Sands and Great Nore. Each fort consisted of seven interconnected towers, designed to protect the Thames Estuary from aerial and threats.

After the war, the ownership of these forts was unclear, as they were considered to be in international waters. By the late 1950s, military maintenance ceased, and the forts fell into disrepair.

A Breakdown of the Thames Estuary Maunsell Forts

The Thames Estuary was home to a series of Maunsell Forts. These forts were categorised into two groups: Navy Forts and Army Forts.
 

Navy Forts:

  • U1 Rough Sands Fort
  • U2 Sunk Head Fort (destroyed by Royal Navy in 1967)
  • U3 Tongue Sands Fort (the only remaining part is an 18-foot stump of the south leg that can be seen at low tide)
  • U4 Knock John Fort – see our dedicated blog Knock John Maunsell Fort: A WWII Relic Still Standing

Army Forts:

  • U5 Nore Fort (dismantled)
  • U6 Red Sands Fort 
  • U7 Shivering Sands Fort
OLD Map of the Thames Estuary showing the locations of the Manusell Forts
RDF Tower Harwich (n.d.) Map of the Thames Estuary showing the locations of the Manusell Forts

Tragedy and Transformation

During thick fog in 1963, disaster struck when the MV Ribersborg (a 295 tonne ship) collided with one of the Shivering Sands towers. The tower sank, reducing the number of towers from seven to six, with just the base of the tower now peeking out from the waves.

In 1964, weather equipment was installed in the searchlight tower, the same year in which Screaming Lord Sutch established Radio Sutch (pirate radio station) in another of the towers. Reginald Calvert took over from Sutch, renaming the station Radio City. However Calvert’s life was tragically cut short, with his wife briefly taking over operation, until it was shut down by legislation in 1967 that made it illegal to operate offshore radio stations. 

Due to their metal construction, the forts were susceptible to static electricity build up and lightning strikes. One infamous incident involved DJ Paul Beresford of Radio 390, who was struck by lightning on Red Sands Maunsell Fort, but miraculously survived to continue his broadcast. I don’t know about you, but I get enough static shocks just by opening my car door, I don’t fancy my chances on the forts!!

By 1992, advancements in technology meant the weather equipment could be housed in a buoy, rendering the searchlight tower obsolete.

More recently, in 2005, artist Stephen Turner embarked on a solitary residency within the searchlight tower. This artistic exploration of isolation shed new light on the fort’s potential as a space for contemplation and creativity.

OLD Close up of one of the Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort towers
OLD Close up of under one of the Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort towers
OLD Close up of the windows on one of the Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort towers
OLD Close up of one of the Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort towers

Facts about Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort:

    • Codename: Uncle 7 (U7)
    • Location: Thames Estuary (51.29.95 North 1.04.48 East)
    • Construction: 1943
    • Purpose: While their primary purpose was anti-aircraft defence, the forts were also equipped to deter and engage enemy ships and submarines during World War II.
    • Original structure: Seven separate towers, each set on four concrete legs supporting a steel structure 100ft above sea level and connected by narrow catwalks. This complex consisted of five gun towers, a searchlight tower and a main control tower.

Deep dive into Guy Maunsell’s WWII Designs

For a deeper dive into the engineering marvels of WWII, we recommend watching a short documentary by Frank R Turner. This film details the construction of a few of Guy Maunsell’s innovative designs.

Embark on a Maritime Adventure to Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort

Today, the Shivering Sands Maunsell Fort stands as a reminder of a bygone era. Its skeletal remains, battered by time and weather, continue to fascinate and intrigue. A visit to this historic site offers a unique opportunity to explore the past and appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of those who built and defended it. 

A visit to the Shivering Sands Fort is a must for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply a unique adventure.

A Unique Thames Estuary Experience

Want to experience the Thames Estuary like never before? We recommend Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips for an unforgettable Thames Estuary experience!  Their private boat trips are the perfect way to explore this historic waterway in style. Our skipper Angus was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the way. We can’t wait to book another tour with Brownes!

REFERENCE LIST:

MORE THINGS TO DO IN ESSEX

OLD Feature photo for Things to do on Southend Pier
OLD 4 sandcastles on Chalkwell Beach with the text '15 reasons to visit southend'
OLD Knock John Maunsell Fort

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Knock John Maunsell Fort: A WWII Relic Still Standing