A Second World War sea fort, Red Sands Army Fort, Maunsell fort U6, was stationed at this point in 1943. It consisted of seven towers and was equipped with radar and anti-aircraft guns in order to protect the sea lanes into the Thames from German mine laying activities. In the 1960s the fort was used by pirate radio stations, Radio Invicta and Radio K.I.N.G. The final broadcast was in 1967.