STEPS are being taken to save an historic fort at the shore of Mersea Island from falling into the Blackwater estuary. 

The Tudor blockhouse in East Mersea was commissioned by Henry VII in 15423 to defend the English shores. 

It was part of three blockhouses in St Osyth and Brightlingsea with the Mersea fort is the only remaining one. 

It also played a vital role in the counter of the Armada in 1588 and 1631, when Dunkirkers threatened the Essex Coast and in the Civil War during the siege of Colchester. 

Outline - The remaining outline of the East Mersea fortOutline - The remaining outline of the East Mersea fort (Image: Google Maps)

Saved from being demolished by Cromwell in 1655 by the landowner, the fort decayed by 1710 and was a ruin in 1768, according to records. 

Now, only the outlines are visible, threatened by coastal erosion and rising water levels. 

Historic England has issued a contract for a survey, to provide data helping to make an informed decision about which spaces to target for excavations. 

John Jowers, former mayor of Colchester and born-and-bread Mersea resident, was excited to hear about the endeavour. 

He said: “It is an important part of our history. I was lucky enough to find one of the cannon balls as a young boy there. 

History - John Jowers was lucky to find a cannon ball as a young boyHistory - John Jowers was lucky to find a cannon ball as a young boy

“It’s quite the historic monument we have close to our home. I hope it can be preserved as much as possible and that the survey finds out more about its history. 

“It is one of those you don’t really know about. The cannons there were the beginning of technology.” 

Natalie Sommers, Colchester Council's portfolio holder for heritage, said: "It is always fascinating when new aspects of Colchester's history are revealed by archaeological fieldwork.

"In this case it is the little known story of Colchester's role in the defence of England from invasion by the French during the reign of Henry VIII.

"The East Mersea Tudor Blockhouse is of significant importance to the history of Colchester and it's sad to see the site continue to be subject to erosion.

"I very much look forward to finding out the results of the work commissioned by Historic England, which will help us enhance our understanding and knowledge of the site."