This is the Official Website for the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre which is located in a Grade 1 listed former Royal Gunpowder Magazine. The building is considered by Historic England to be the outstanding remaining example of a typically British type of magazine.
Explore the historic gunpowder magazine, see military artefacts up close, and uncover the fascinating stories that shaped Purfleet. Family-friendly and perfect for history enthusiasts!
Take part in guided tours and walks and attend special events showcasing local heritage, military history and culture.
Visit Magazine No.5
The historic Grade 1 listed building is history in itself, built between 1763 and 1765 to house the UK's gunpowder reserve.
Presentations
We can visit your school or adult group or Care Home to give a wide range of history presentations and "show and tell" sessions and even the odd sing-along!
Take a walk with us
We offer walks around Purfleet-on-Thames. Our Ghost and Folklore Walk is the favourite, or explore local history with us. Book here.
Group Visits
We cater for schools, cubs, scouts, cadets and adult groups with a number of guided options available. We are a Dementia Friendly Venue.
Don't miss our Events
Visit the Heritage Centre on Event days ranging from the Annual Gurkha Festival and Salute! to Vehicle displays and Dracula Day!
Purfleet's History
We tell the rich history of Purfleet-on-Thames from Tudor times to today.
Did you know it was a tourist destination with Botanical Gardens in Victorian times?
What is happening at the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre
Next week we will pay tribute to our friend and much loved colleague Len Milledge at the Heritage Centre.
Len was a military man from his time as a cadet, through his service in the RAF Regiment and later as our standard bearer at many an event. A former trustee and the curator of our RAF Regiment display, his cheerful smile and wicked sense of humour has been missed by all at PMHC since his death in May last year.
On Wednesday 17th June we will be holding a ceremony to unveil a plaque in what will always be Len's RAF Regiment bay.
All welcome, please arrive around 11:30am for the unveiling at 12 noon and refreshments afterwards.
The Heritage Centre was grateful to host Ian Mansfield, who runs the "IanVisits" website, a guide to London's culture and transport news, and events happenuing across the city.
Ian regularly reviews the multitude of museums across London, and ventured outside his usual patch to visit Purfleet two weeks ago.
His review of the Heritage Centre is here and makes a great read.
Many thanks Ian, and we hope to host you again in the future.
The first special exhibition of 2026 will open to the public on Wednesday the 18th of March and will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first ever flight of Britain's most iconic aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire.
The exhibition, put on in conjunction with author and historian Richard C. Smith, will be on for just one month until the 19th of April so don't miss out!
The Centre also features a static exhibit on the Battle of Britain and the largest collection of original artefacts from RAF Hornchurch so this is a must see for all aviation enthusiasts.
Details of opening times can be downloaded here.
The Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre was highlighted in the UK Parliament this week during a debate on the importance of local museums.
On 5 March 2026, Jen Craft, Member of Parliament for Thurrock, secured a debate in Westminster Hall of the UK Parliament focusing on the role that local museums play in preserving history, supporting communities, and inspiring future generations.
During the debate, Ms Craft praised the work being done at the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, noting the efforts of volunteers who recently helped reopen the museum after a period of renovation. She described the centre as a place where visitors can explore the history of the Royal Navy, RAF and British Army, as well as learn about the wider story of Thurrock and the River Thames.
The MP also highlighted the historical significance of the building itself. The museum is housed in a former 18th-century gunpowder magazine, once part of Britain’s national military infrastructure supplying gunpowder for the Army and Navy during major conflicts.
Other Members of Parliament who spoke during the debate also recognised the centre as an example of how local museums can bring history to life. Particular praise was given to the centre’s volunteer team, whose work preserves the heritage of Purfleet and ensures that local stories—from military history to folklore—remain accessible to the community.
Several volunteers from the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre were present at Parliament to witness the debate, marking a proud moment for the organisation and for the town’s heritage.
The debate concluded with broad agreement across Parliament on the importance of local museums in safeguarding Britain’s cultural and historical identity.
The recognition of the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre in Parliament is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and supporters, whose continued work ensures that the history of Purfleet—and its role in the wider story of Britain—remains alive for future generations.
The Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, in conjunction with local councillors Aaron Green and Lee Watson, are appealing for local people with a talent for Crochet to assist us to create a stunning display for Remembrance 2026.
All you need to do to assist is use the pattern, which can be downloaded below, or picked up in person from the Heritage Centre, and use it to create red or purple poppies.
These will need to be delivered to the Heritage Centre by the 19th October 2026.
Thank you in advance and Happy Crocheting!
CONTACT US
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