Tilbury (or Tilbury Town) is a port town in the borough of Thurrock, Essex, England on the Thames. The present port was established as separate settlement near East and West Tilbury and Tilbury Fort in the late 19th century, on land that was mainly part of Chadwell St Mary. The Gravesend–Tilbury Ferry was an ancient and important crossing point. Tilbury is part of the Port of London with a major deep-water port which contributes to the local economy. Situated 24 miles (38.5 km) east of central London and 23 miles (37 km) southwest of Southend-on-Sea (the nearest city), it is the southernmost point in Essex.