The Clarendon Royal Hotel

The Blockhouse was built around 1540 as part of the riverside defence fortifications. Its main function was to support fir power from Tilbury Fort on the opposite Bank.

The remains of the Blockhouse can be seen in front of the hotel, opposite the main entrance.

The Main Building was erected around 1665 as a residence for the Duke of York, later James II, was appointed to the post of the Lord High Admiral.

The War department let it to William Eagle, a member of Rochester, who in 1842 converted it to a Hotel and pulled the Blockhouse down.

The Premises at the front of the Hotel was known as the Clarendon Retreat from 1859 to 1890. It was later called The Botany Bay and The Lookout.

The Clarendon Shades was at the lower West Wing between 1895 and 1931.

The Prince of Wales stayed at the Hotel in 1863, while he waited for the arrival of Princess Alexandra at the Terrace Pier.

In more recent times it became a smugglers Bar, Fishermen’s Bar, Duck Bar and a Dandy Bar.

It was closed in 2004. After extensive renovations and refurbishments, it was reopened in 2010 to accommodate apartments.

The Admiral’s Bar opened its doors to the public in July 2012.