If you have more than a passing interest in World War 2 Forts then you will know about Knock John. If on the other hand you do not and have not, then strap yourself in and get ready for a truly whacky tale.
And not just a slightly whacky tale, but a strange relation with the Principality of Sealand and maybe, just maybe potentially the worlds newest nation.
Table of Contents
What the Maunsell Forts?
The Maunsell Forts were a series of offshore military structures built by Britain during World War 2 to defend the Thames and Mersey estuaries from German aircraft and naval attacks. Designed by engineer Guy Maunsell, they were essentially steel platforms mounted on huge concrete legs that were sunk into the seabed. From these strange looking towers soldiers operated anti aircraft guns and radar equipment while living out at sea in fairly rough conditions.
Several of these forts were built in the Thames Estuary including Red Sands, Shivering Sands and Knock John. During the war they played a key role in defending shipping heading toward London and the Thames. After the war most were abandoned and left to rust in the sea, although some later gained a second life in the 1960’s when pirate radio stations broadcast from them. Today they stand as strange rusting monuments to wartime Britain out in the estuary.
Click to read about Sheppey.
What is Knocks John?
Knock John is one of the Maunsell sea forts located in the Thames Estuary off the coast of Kent and Essex. It was built during World War 2 as an anti aircraft defence platform protecting shipping lanes heading toward London. The structure itself consists of a steel platform supported by large concrete legs rising up from the seabed.
During the war it was manned by Royal Navy personnel operating anti aircraft guns and radar equipment. Once the war ended the fort was abandoned and left to the elements. Today it remains one of the surviving Maunsell forts still standing in the Thames Estuary, sitting quietly offshore and slowly rusting in the North Sea air.
Could it become a Sealand 2.0?
Could Knocks John become a “country” like Sealand is? Well yes and no, because there are nuances. In the interests of this article I will assume you know a little bit about Sealand, but long story short it was a WW2 fort that was in international waters and declared independence as the Principality of Sealand.
It was interest in Sealand that got me connected to Knocks John. This was because when I was planning and setting up Lets Buy An Island some suggested to me we could take over Knocks John in the sam fashion as how Sealand was founded. This was extremely interesting to me, but also not without issue. You see while it was previously in international waters, it is now in British water and has a conservation society associated with it. This means in real terms it could just get taken from you.
Can you visit Knock John?
Yes you can! Not to mention all of the other cool stuff that is in the sourcing areas.
The main way to see Knock John and the other Maunsell forts is by organised boat trip from the Kent coast, usually leaving from Queenborough Harbour on the Isle of Sheppey or from Whitstable. Several small charter operators run trips out into the Thames Estuary to see Red Sands, Shivering Sands and Knock John.
These trips normally last around 7 hours and prices are roughly £80–£100 per person, or around $100–$125 USD, depending on the season and boat operator. Shorter trips to just Red Sands and other nearby forts can cost about £40–£50, or around $50–$65 USD, and usually last 2–3 hours.
Trips depart from:
Queenborough Harbour, Isle of Sheppey, Kent ME11 5EL
Whitstable Harbour, Kent CT5 1AA
Booking is typically done by phone or directly at the harbour offices of the charter company. Landing on the forts is not allowed and can be dangerous, but boats get close enough for photos and a proper look at these strange offshore structures.
Click to read about ny trip to the Red Sand Forts.
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