As its name suggests, the Essex area of Tilbury Town is where the commercial and shopping hub of this riverside location is. With names such as Ferry road or Anchor Point Park, it is clear that Tilbury’s maritime industrial past has had a permanent mark on the area. The character of the neighbourhood area is strongly linked to both its past and present industrial use. Unlike many inner-city London area, Tilbury Town has wind turbines which create renewable energy for local residents as well as the rest of England. The area has the uniquely man-made defence structure of Tilbury Fort. Henry VIII built the first fort in Tilbury and it has been used to defend England from the 16th century to World War Two. Although closed now, the area of Tilbury had its first rail station opened in 1854, which would have connected Essex to London. In 2001 Tilbury’s population was around 11,500 whilst in 2011 it was around 12,500 and it is estimated to be 13,500 currently – which shows a steady population growth of around 100 people per year.

In 1588 Tilbury fort was where Queen Elizabeth gave her famous “heart of a king” speech whilst encouraging the British fleet to defend the shores of London against the Spanish Armada.

The Empire Windrush ship, a quintessential illustration of post-war 20th century British Immigration, arrived at Tilbury Docks in 1948.

Thurrock Council has opposed planned developments of the Lower Thames Crossing, because it does not connect much of the existing main roads in Thurrock and it will go against the natural look of the area. Tilbury lacks many public transport routes with limited bus services and only two rail stations, in Tilbury and East Tilbury respectively.

In 2018, construction began on the development of a new supported housing complex in Thurrock for young people with autism. Taking place at Medina Road in Grays, the development aimed to deliver six new fully adapted standard homes for people who live with autism. The development was the first of its kind for Thurrock and also aimed to provide a 24 hour a day personalised care and support service for residents. While a multitude of agents were involved in the project, including Thurrock Council, Peabody, The Autism Action Group and the Homes and Communities Agency, in 2020 it was announced that the council would take control of the development because it did not have enough residential support services. While a completion date has not been announced, the council has stated that the project is nearing completion. Also in 2020, Tilbury Pioneer Academy opened a new building with modernised facilities and educational tools, funded by the Government, Thurrock Local Authority and the Gateway Learning Community.