Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre to hear from volunteers about the opportunities available to schools for group visits and to learn about the history of the Centre.
Purfleet Heritage Centre is a relatively modern creation dating to 1992 but it is housed an ancient building that is over 260 years old. During his visit, Stephen met with Trevor Batchelor, the chief historian and vice chair of the Centre, to discuss the history of the place and services that it offers.
The Centre is a perfect choice for a school visit or scout group excursion. Mr Batchelor informed Stephen that schools were more than welcome to book a group visit. The Centre is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. It is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays. For groups of c.30 or more, Mr Batchelor has kindly offered that the Centre can open on other days (subject to volunteer availability). If you would like to book a group visit for your school, please email [email protected] or call 07751 099352 or 07973 759516.
The Centre is located in the former Royal Gunpowder Magazine where gunpowder was stored for the Army and Navy during Britain’s growth as a naval power. Constructed in 1759 – before the United States even existed as a nation – Magazine No. 5 is the last remaining building. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument Grade 1 and is considered by Historic England as an outstanding example of a typically British type of magazine.
In 1992, Alan Gosling, and a group of volunteers who were interested in the building, put forward a plan to preserve Magazine No. 5 and use it as a Heritage Centre. Thurrock Council accepted and the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre opened as a charity.
The Centre is now home to an extensive collection of local and military artefacts. These artefacts relate to the Thames Board Mills, the Whitbread family, Bram Stoker, Purfleet Rifle Range and other areas of local historical significance. There is an extensive collection of military uniforms and a display entitled ‘How we used to live’ which includes early household appliances such as washing machines, kitchen utensils, gas flat irons and radios.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “It was great to pay a visit to Purfleet Heritage Centre. I want to thank Trevor Batchelor for his insights. Magazine No. 5 is a fascinating building with over 260 years of history.
The Centre’s collection of artefacts gives an interesting survey of local history and I would encourage schools, or any local association, to book a visit. It’s a great learning opportunity.”
