Guncotton workers at the Royal Gun Powder Mills
Photo Copyright © Copyright Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
The Royal Gunpowder Mills opened as an independent heritage visitor attraction in May 2001 - the first time the site had been opened to the public in its 300 year 'secret' history. Today the mix of fascinating history, exciting science, beautiful surroundings and interesting events, produce magical days out for all the family. Because of its historic importance, the Royal Gunpowder Mills also acts as an anchor point for the East of England section of the European Route of Industrial Heritage.
Background
Established 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 its home town of Waltham Abbey. It has been described as the most important site for the history of explosives in Europe for its contribution toFrom the 400 acres, on two sites north and south of the town, about 170 acres of the north site was secured for the development of the visitor attraction. With support from the Ministry of Defence and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills Company Ltd (registered charity no. 1062968) took over the site and opened it to visitors, after a major restoration and interpretation project.
RGM Incorporating Mill
Photo Copyright © Copyright Royal Gunpowder Mills.
The aim of the Trust is to preserve and manage the site for the benefit of the public in terms of its historical, archaeological heritage and the natural environment with a view to improving the education and knowledge of the public in related aspects.
Over two thirds of the site is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and about half is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its alder woodland and heronry. Twenty buildings are listed, including one Grade 1 and seven Grade 2s*. Six of these, constructed between 1861 and 1889, form the largest and most impressive complex of stream powered gunpowder mills in Britain.
Interesting and exciting events for all the family are held throughout the year. Visit their website for more information: royalgunpowdermills.com
The 1921 census which gives details of almost 38 million individuals is now available on Findmypast. Start now to discover your ancestors. At the moment access is pay-per-view.
The Essex Record Office 'ERO' are custodians of the parish registers of Essex. Ancestry.co.uk have now transcribed the entire collection of Essex parish registers. Search now on Ancestry for your Essex ancestors. Then on the results page click on ‘request image’ and you will be taken to the ERO website where you can purchase an image of the relevant page.
Visit our Parish Registers of Essex page for more information.
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