Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey, Essex is a 63-hectare site of rich historical and archaeological heritage as it is here, from as far back as the 17th century, gunpowder and explosives were created, manufactured and developed.
The Royal Gunpowder Mills site and its collections of archival material, photographs, films and records represent the entire history of the gunpowder industry, including prototype technologies which subsequently became standard and were exported around the world.
Its future is to establish itself as a major historical and visitor attraction, dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and role of explosives, accessible to both the public and experts. Additionally, it will serve as a centre for collating and maintaining the archives of the former factory and the people who lived and worked there.
The Conservation of Building L157
A core part of securing this future, was a major conservation project recently undertaken by Bakers of Danbury Heritage Building Contractors to Building L157, one of the Gunpowder Incorporating Mills. Built in 1861, it played a crucial role in the gunpowder manufacturing process and sitting at the heart of Gunpowder Mills, holds special importance as the only Grade 1 listed building on the site. With the building suffering heavily from deterioration and decay, the goal was to return the building to its original state, preserving its historical features and bringing it back into full working order for public and educational use.
The Conservation Works – An Overview
The building was originally constructed with external timber cladding panels set within steel frames which had severely deteriorated, putting the structural integrity of the building at risk. These panels were a crucial design feature, engineered to absorb the impact of any explosion by being ‘blown’ out, and so protecting the building and those inside in a way solid walls could not. Specialised carpentry and restoration work was carried out to the whole building, carefully restoring and replicating the timber panels and restoring the metal framework.
Further repairs addressed major defects in the skylights and the worsening damp issues between the central halls and main tower. Rotten and decaying timbers that were threatening the front veranda structure were also replaced. A bespoke prefabricated ramp was added to improve accessibility.
Drainage improvements were made. This involved a new and extensive drainage channel hand-dug to prevent damage to the roots of the magnificent trees in close proximity to the building. A new sewage pumping station and disabled WC facilities were also added.
The building’s painted masonry surfaces were redecorated with a high quality, weather resistant paint specifically selected for conservation. Original timbers were treated with a blend of natural oils and waxes to provide superior protection and ensure long-lasting durability.
With work beginning in January 2024 and completing in September 2024, Gunpowder Mills remained open throughout the renovation project, with tractor tours, special open days and educational school visits all continuing. The work also took place alongside the wild and free-ranging deer population that inhabit the area.
The History of Building L157
With 20 listed buildings, built between 1787-1916, Royal Gunpowder Mills has the largest collection of listed buildings at any one location in the UK. Since the site remains so close to its original layout and with its many buildings still intact, it is possible to trace the entire history of the gunpowder industry through the alterations and adaptations made to the structures.
L157 is a prime example of this. It is the first and most complete of the incorporating mills to be built in the form of a T-shaped plan and comprises a central Engine House, rear Boiler House and cross wings. It is a long building with four distinctive semi-circular brick structures in front of pillars supporting the roof. It has an open veranda from which cast-iron columns survive. This design provided the model for later incorporating mills added on the site.
A change of use happened in c.1898- 9, when L157 was converted for cordite incorporation. In the 1940’s, it was converted into a laboratory and continued in that role until the late 1970s. The original gearing machinery, an essential part of the gunpowder manufacturing process, still survives in a chamber below ground level.
The Future
This building is now proudly the only one of the former gunpowder incorporating mills that has been restored to its original 19th-century appearance. It is part of a history that represents technological innovation and development, and the stories of local people, who lived and worked there and their contribution to this historically important industry. Adrian Ward, Project Manager at Bakers of Danbury said, “The attention to the conservation of this building, the commitment to the development of the site and the creation of a captivating visitor attraction for all ages to enjoy, will maintain the legacy and ensure the future of the fascinating Royal Gunpowder Mills.”