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
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.
At 11am on the 1st March 2026 the firing of our Boar War vintage Mountain Gun signalled the reopening of the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre for the 2026 season following three months of hard work by our great team of volunteers, pictured, to upgrade and renew many of the displays.
The opening was marked by speeches from the Mayor of Thurrock, Sue Shinnick and local MP Jen Craft and supported by T100.
Thanks to everyone for your support and we look forward to welcoming you all to the Centre in the coming year.
The Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre will be reopening to the public on Sunday 1st March 2026 following three months work to install new displays as part of our ongoing refurbishment of the centre.
The official opening ceremony will take place at 11am with doors open from 10am to invited guests and the public.
Entry on this date will be free of charge, however we suggest a donation of £5 which will go towards future maintenance and enhancement of the building and collections.
We look forward to welcoming you back to see the fruits of a lot of hard work over the past three months, and the previous year.
Detais of the event can be downloaded here.
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
Please complete the form below to ask any questions, or to enquire about group visits.
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