Chilworth Gunpowder Mills - Part 1

 The three 'Snappy Friends', members of Cranleigh Camera Club, visited Chilworth Gunpower Mills one evening in June.  Angie knows it well, having grown up in Chilworth,  but this was a first visit for Elizabeth and me.  

Established in 1626 by the East India Company, the Gunpowder Mills continued the supply of gunpowder to the Governments of the day until 1920 when the gunpowder works closed.  From 1922-1962various buildings were used as residences, known locally as 'tin town'.  The gunpowder was mostly sent in barrels by wagon to the River Wey navigation and then down to magazines on the Thames.  Some went to Portsmouth. 

It is a quite fascinating place, covering a very wide area.  It is now managed by Guildford Borough Council.    

We made two evening trips, as there was so much to see.  I will split the visits up into more manageable parts.  

Part of the tramway to Chilworth Station

 

The site runs alongside the TillingbourneRiver, and 'the Cut' was dug to transport barrels from the site to the River, where it was transported to the Wey Navigation and then on to London via the Thames.

Beauty amongst the harshness of the Gunpower Mills

This photo, and those following, are where they 'tested' the gunpowder.  There are three sections,

 each with an open roof.

 

More soon.