About
Weaponry, Science & Technology at The Royal Gunpowder Mills
Saturday 11th November 2023
11:30am - 2pm and 2pm - 4:30pm
The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Dr, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY
The Royal Gunpowder Mills volunteers have been tirelessly researching objects connected to our unique armoury and rocket vault collections and now you have the opportunity to learn from their expertise.
Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of weaponry, this event is sure to captivate and educate. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the Royal Gunpowder Mills like never before!
For tickets, priced at just £15, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/weaponry-science-technology-at-the-royal-gunpowder-mills-tickets-739438700057?aff=oddtdtcreator
With four fascinating talks throughout the day, you can decide which topic appeals most to you! Just pick whether you'd like to attend the morning or afternoon itinerary:
Morning 11.30am - 2pm
The Story of the Long Bow - Learn all about England's first weapon of mass destruction. This Welsh wonder weapon allowed medieval serfs to bring down knights! Learn why it made medieval English armies so powerful. And you'll be surprised by how recently this medieval technology was last used!
Tractor Trailer Tour (weather permitting) - Take a trip through the out-of-bounds areas of our expansive site and hear all about the history of our explosive production lines.
Cafe visit & Rocket Vault talk - Stop by our cafe for complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, and prepare for your next talk in our Rocket Vault. Explore the development of rocket motors and propellants from Congreve's gunpowder rocket of the early 19th century through to the guided missiles of the cold war and those used in the Falklands and Gulf wars.
Afternoon 2pm - 4.30pm
The Evolution of Gunpowder Guns - Take an in-depth look at gunpowder guns and discover their impact on warfare. From the earliest crude guns, through matchlock, wheel-lock, flintlock, percussion lock to the rim and centre-fire metallic cartridge - the technological advances in weapon design matched by the advances in gunpowder maufacture and performance.
Tractor Trailer Tour (weather permitting) - Take a trip through the out-of-bounds areas of our expansive site and hear all about the history of our explosive production lines.
Cafe visit & Rocket Vault talk - Stop by our cafe for complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, and prepare for your next talk in our Rocket Vault. Explore the development of rocket motors and propellants from Congreve's gunpowder rocket of the early 19th century through to the guided missiles of the cold war and those used in the Falklands and Gulf wars.
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Lift - All the publically accessible buildings on the site are ground floor accept the main exhibition building where there is an accessible lift.
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - All the publically accessible buildings on the site are ground floor accept the main exhibition building where there is an accessible lift. As this is a heritage site, there is some uneven ground but most areas and buildings are wheel chair accessible as is the Land Train which conducts guided tours of the whole site.
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access
- Wheelchair user accessible - All the publically accessible buildings on the site are ground floor accept the main exhibition building where there is an accessible lift. As this is a heritage site, there is some uneven ground but most areas and buildings are wheel chair accessible as is the Land Train which conducts guided tours of the whole site.
Attraction Facilities
- Groups Accepted
Catering
- Cafe
- Catering for groups
- Catering Provided
- On-Site cafe/restaurant
- Outdoor eating area
- Picnic area
- Picnic Site
Children & Infants
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
- Outdoor children’s play area
Establishment Features
- All weather attraction - Although we hold special events which take place outdoors, our main exhibitions are under cover and the site can be visited via our covered land train or military truck experience.
- Guided tours
- Guided tours by arrangement - Visitors who have a specific interest in a particular aspect of the history or processes or items exhibited at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, can arrange to have a volunteer guide with relevant knowledge available when they visit. This is by arrangement and dependant on the relevant expertise being available.
- Marquee Space Available
- Open on bank holidays
- Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
- Team / Corporate Activities
Parking & Transport
- Bus stop within walking distance
- Coach parking
- Free parking
- On Site Car Parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
- Secure cycle parking - The car park includes an open, but covered cycle parking area.
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
- Forest Location - The large site includes unique Alder plantation and associated wildlife. The whole site can be visited by the Land Train or Military Truck Experience.
- In town/city centre - The site is on the outskirts of Waltham abbey, itself a historic market town.
- Indoor Attraction - The main exhibition, armoury and rocket collection, plus Professor Nitrates Mad Lab are all indoors.
- Outdoor Attraction - The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a very large unspoilt site with areas designated of special scientific interest (SSIs). The dangerous nature of gunpowder manufacture, and the later chemical explosives, made it sensible to space buildings apart. So the industrial processes can be explored within a natural environment. Trees were allowed to flourish between the buildings as they provided an additional safety barrier should an explosion occur in a building, and canals link all parts of the site.
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
- Educational Groups - The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a dedicated education team and regularly delivers a range of programmes for local schools.
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children - Children love Professor Nitrates Mad Lab shows.
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Demonstrations Given
- Educational Visits Accepted - The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a dedicated education team and regularly delivers a range of programmes for local schools.
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals - The Royal Gunpowder Mills is lucky to have an army of knowledgeable volunteers who can answer technical (and not so technical) questions and bring the past and processes alive. Some of the volunteers are past employees. The land train tours of the site include guides who explain the history of the site, its buildings and the processes which went on there.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is located in Beaulieu Drive, off Highbridge Street (at traffic lights and opposite McDonalds), a ten minute walk from the centre of Waltham Abbey. The entrance is at top north end of Beaulieu Drive.
There is free parking
From J26 of M25, take A121 to Waltham Abbey; or from J25 of M25 go to Waltham Cross and then A121.
Public Transport Directions
By Bus
The site is just a 10 minute walk from Waltham Abbey Town Centre.
Nearest bus stops in Highbridge Street are served by the following local buses:
21, 212, 213, 240, 250, 251, 255, 505, 517.
By Rail
Nearest station is Waltham Cross, connecting London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale underground (Victoria Line) to/from Cheshunt/Broxbourne/Hertford East.
We are a 25 minute walk east from the station.
You may also take a bus or a cab (office at station).
