Set in 170 acres of natural parkland and boasting 20 buildings of major historic importance, the site mixes secret history, exciting science and beautiful surroundings to produce a magical day out for all. 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.

Evidence shows that gunpowder was produced in the Waltham Abbey area from at least the 17th Century.  Later the Royal Gunpowder Mills became the leading English producer. The Waltham Abbey Mills showed off their superiority at trials on Marlborough Downs in 1809/10. Powder from six private gunpowder suppliers, Faversham and Waltham Abbey was used to fire a shell from a naval mortar with Waltham Abbey’s going the furthest.

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