Thurrock and the
Thames is an important part of Thurrock's history
|During the 20th century,
Thurrock appeared to turn its back on the river
Thames. However, the river has played an
important role in Thurrock's history - as a
source of food; as a means of communication and
as the reason for many military associations with
years, Purfleet was the home of a succession of
wooden sailing ships - Wooden Walls.
The river was also home to
generations of boys who served on the Training
|Since the reign of Henry
VIII, the riverside forts in Thurrock have played
a key role in protecting the country from
invasion and defending London -
The importance of Thurrock as a
defensive site led to Queen Elizabeth's speech at
Tilbury which is one of the most well known
events of Thurrock's history - Armada
|For hundreds of years, the
only way across the river to Kent was by means of
the ferry. There were ferries at Tilbury, Grays
and Purfleet at different times. In 1991, with
the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, it
became possible to drive across the river.
|During its peak years,
Tilbury was a major passenger port. Douglas
Jardine's England cricket team left from Tilbury
for the infamous bodyline series.
One of the most famous arrivals was
the Empire Windrush bringing the first immigrants
to Britain from the Carribean.
Tilbury is now primarily a
container port, but the occasional cruise liner
serves as a reminder of its recent past.
|The river at Thurrock
remains one of the busiest waterways in England.
It is used for recreation and commerce and a wide
variety of ships can be seen heading up stream to
London or begining their journey by the Thames to
all peoples of the world.
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