A Second World War sea fort, Shivering Sands Army Fort U7, 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 occupied by pirate radios. Radio Sutch started in 1964 by Screaming Lord Sutch became Radio City which operated until it was closed down in 1967.