The recent fire that destroyed Tilbury's World's End pub brought a focus on listed buildings and their historical importance

Thurrock Nub News contributor Susan Yates takes a look at some of them, in the latest of her occasional series of local history features.

THURROCK has more than 240 listed buildings. Not all of them are what you would expect. While Thurrock has Grade I listed churches and some lovely period properties it also has some very unusual listed buildings.

Situated in Belhus Park, behind the golf course, is a stench pole believed to have been erected in the time of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

The stench pole, believed by one expert to be an eyecatcher, is Grade II listed. An eyecatcher is something which often serves no useful purpose other than to look attractive in the landscape. It actually formed part of the sewage system for Belhus Mansion, which was sadly demolished in May 1957.

It is a tall octagonal Tudor-style chimney built of handmade bricks with black brick dressings, and supported on a chamfered rectangular plinth of three stages.

Thurrock still has the Grade II* listed State Cinema. This Art Deco film palace was built in 1938 by F.G. Chancellor for Frederick's Electric Theatres. Built of brown brick with cladding flat roof, which I remember clearing of bird droppings along with other volunteers. It seated 2,200 people with its Dolby surround sound system. Most people of my age talk of doing their courting there me I remember abseiling down the side. Unfortunately, it is currently closed but who knows what the future may hold.

Another unusual listed property is Baker Street Smock mill seen from the A13.

It is said that in 1850 you could not go more than three miles in Essex without seeing a windmill. Grade II listed this wooden smock type mill with its double patent sails was originally restored by John Smith but the cap and sails were added by Tony Mudd.

Its working life ended 1915-1917 possibly due to damage to its winding gear in a gale. It is claimed to date from 1675 but the earliest record is 1796.

Another unusual feature is the Dovecote at High House. Built in the 17^th century of brick, octagonal and Grade II listed it houses pigeons.

They are believed to have emanated from ancient Egypt and Iran. It contains 517 nest boxes and has double doors for security purposes, which is unique. The inner door is constructed entirely of iron while the outer wooden door is reinforced and secured by iron straps padlocked over staples.

A structure I have known since childhood is the Clock Tower at Purfleet with Gateway and attached walls. Circa 1760 Grade II listed. Designed by James Gabriel Montresor, Royal Engineer. Flemish bond brown brick with slate roof.

I remember cycling here with my mum and my brother on many a summer Sunday afternoon. The gateway and attached walls form an integral part of one the finest ensembles in any of the Ordnance Yards.

I could not finish without mentioning Tilbury Riverside Station which is currently undergoing restoration with the aid of a Heritage Grant. The work is ongoing as I write and it is hoped that the café there will be open in 2027.

On a sad note while I mention the Riverside Station its near neighbour the Grade II listed World's End Inn has burned down. The World's End was a late 17th century/early 18th century two storey house with timber frame and weatherboarding. It had a 19th century lean to on the south front. Utilised for many years as an Inn.

With its connection to Tilbury Fort I wonder what stories it could tell. Aah, if only walls could speak.