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Gunpowder Past

 

fireworks.co.uk

In 1732 the former Dartford paper mills on Powdermill Lane were converted into gunpowder mills by Pyke and Edsall.   During the 18th Century Dartford played a significant role in gun powder production.  The ingredients were imported by ship to the Thames estuary.  Local woodlands provided the charcoal required and the river Darent was a source of water needed in the manufacturing process but also to drive the machinery.   Gunpowder manufacture was extremely dangerous and there were explosions at the site on a regular basis resulting in loss of life on occasion.

Sources:

darentvalley.org.uk-  Dartford Powder Mills and archeology Project

Dartford Town Archive- Gunpowder 


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