Peaceful Views, Powerful Past: Discovering the Secrets of the Garrison
Did you know Shoebury Garrison was once the epicentre of British military innovation? Long before becoming a premium housing development, it housed Britain’s first School of Gunnery. From pioneering rocket tests to a tragic history-changing explosion, the surviving buildings at East Beach hold remarkable stories of a truly extraordinary past.
DID YOU KNOW? that Shoebury Garrison was once at the cutting edge of British military technology? These days we know the Garrison as a rather lovely high end housing development, but its peaceful surroundings hide an extraordinary past.
The military began using Shoeburyness for artillery testing in the 1840s and, in 1859, it became home to Britain’s first School of Gunnery. Its isolated position and huge expanse of foreshore made it ideal for testing increasingly powerful weapons.
And plenty were tested here! Rifled artillery, breech-loading guns, rockets, shrapnel, quick-firing weapons and cordite all formed part of Shoebury’s remarkable military story.
It could also be incredibly dangerous. In 1885, an accidental explosion tragically killed seven men, who are remembered by a memorial at the Garrison.
Many original military buildings and structures still survive today, so next time you’re in and around Southend have a wander around Shoebury Garrison and down to East Beach. Those beautiful old buildings have some stories to tell!
