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Published: March 8th 2013
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This very secret location has been involved in the production and development of explosives and rocket propellants for over 300 years.
The Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey is an important heritage site with a remarkable true story. The charity which runs the attraction is committed to conserving and sharing the fascinating 300 year history with future generations.The Royal Gunpowder Mills are set in 170 acres of Alder woodland and this part of the site was referred to as the island due to the network of canals. Much of the water network is man-made, feeding off the River Lea. Water was crucial both to the manufacturing process and the transport of explosives.Later the site manufactured guncotton, nitro-glycerine, cordite and the highly explosive tetryl, and after World War II the site became a top secret government research establishment for non-nuclear explosives and propellants. Some of the work which was carried out here is still classified information! Visitor access to the nature reserve is restricted, but there is an optional Land Train ride into this area, which lasts about 45 minutes, unfortunately this ride is not available every day, please check times and availability in the ticket office. During the 45 minute
circuit you can see an artificial mound built in 1896 for the hazardous manufacture of nitro-glyercerine, a deep pool for the investigation of underwater explosive and a hydraulic gunpowder press. The visibility of animals is not guaranteed.After WWI there was again a period of quiet before anxieties about the future again surfaced. It was decided that production at Waltham Abbey would be gradually transferred to the west of the country, safer from air attack from Europe. However in the meantime production continued and crucial development work was carried out on TNT production and on the new explosive RDX.In WWII Waltham Abbey remained an important cordite production unit and for the first two years of the war was the sole producer of RDX. Total transfer to the west was achieved by 1943, with many Waltham Abbey staff playing a vital role in developing the new factories, training staff and superintending production and the Mills finally closed in 1943.In 1945 the establishment re-opened as a research centre for military propellant and high explosives and expanding into the increasingly significant field of rocket propellants, solid and liquid and a range of specialised applications, e.g. 'snifters' for altering space vehicles direction when in flight,
cartridges for firing aircraft Ejection Seats, engine and generator starter cartridges - these applications have been called 'a measured strong shove'. The rocket activity later extended to the production of rocket motors.After various reorganisations of Governmental research, the research centre finally closed in 1991, bringing to an end 300 years of explosives production and research.Established way back in the 17th century and acquired by the Crown in 1787, the Royal Gunpowder Mills has a very important place in both the history of Great Britain and of its home town of Waltham Abbey. Described by a local historian in the 1730s as "the largest and completest works in Great Britaina" and in the 1860s by Colonel George Rains as the "best existing steam powered mills in any country", the Royal Gunpowder Mills certainly boast an illustrious past.In operation for over 300 years, there was never a challenge the Royal Gunpowder Mills could not rise to in the development of gunpowder and explosives. Its superior production methods and high quality results earned it a reputation on an international level and played a significant part in the rise of Great Britain as an international power. For the people of Waltham Abbey the "powdermills"
offered both a place of employment for many generations and an industry and wealth for the town. At its height during WW1 more than 5,000 local people were employed by the Mills. Echoes of this great heritage can still be experienced at the site today. In addition to the many historic buildings, some dating as far back as the 1790s, there is a network of canals which transported the explosives around the site, and a number of historic exhibitions on display.
Open Every Weekend 29 March - 29 September 2013
Open Daily during all School Holidays 10am - 5pm (last entry 3.00pm)
The Military Truck ventures into areas of the site that can not otherwise be seen, this includes those which have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the picturesque lake and allows the chance to view the extensive wildlife that have chosen to make the area their home. £2.00 per person (Children under 5 sitting on an adults lap are carried free.)The North end of
the site is important for wildlife and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Access is restricted, but there is an optional Land Train Tour into this area.You will see the remains of many of the buildings used in the production of explosives including the Nitrator (where nitroglycerine was manufactured), Newton's Pool which is 12 meters deep and used for the testing of underwater explosives including the explosive used in the "bouncing bomb" and the Press House where the gunpowder was pressed to improve its explosive properties. This was one of the most dangerous processes on the site.The area is home to many types of wildlife including Fallow Deer, Muntjac deer, rabbits, hare, dragon fly and contains one of the largest heronry in Essex.You will also see the remains of the extensive canal and railway network used to transport the raw materials and final products around the site – which is why it is referred to as an island. The tour lasts about 40 minutes, and you'll be accompanied by one of our experienced guides, many of whom are ex-employees or even scientists involved in the research and development carried out on this site. Adults - £2.00 Children
(5-16) - £1.00 (Children under 5 sitting on an adults lap are carried free.)
The newly refurbished Gunpowder Café opened in Summer 2011 and now serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks.
They offer a selection of cold drinks and ice creams and sweets.
Stock up on supplies at the themed shop. With gifts from science based activity kits, to history books and much more, there's something to suit all pockets.
There are lots of different events to visit check our there website for full details
There is a Children's Playground with Zip-wire, Swings, and Obstacle Courses.
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