Listed Buildings

In an official report The Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey were described as “the most important site for the history of explosives in Europe”.

Many of the major world advances in gunpowder and explosive production using a range of technologies were made here, continuing into the later role of Research Centre, extending to rocket propellant. The listed buildings are unique surviving structures spanning the range of this activity which was carried on for the Crown in conditions of secrecy for over 200 years. This came to an end in 1991 when the Establishment’s role was transferred to other centres and from 2001 for the first time this remarkable site was opened to the outside world.

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest. Just 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.
Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*.
Grade II buildings are of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. Over 90% of all listed buildings are Grade II.

With 20 listed buildings, the Royal Gunpowder Mills has the largest collection of listed buildings at one location.

We have published a book about the listed buildings. For more information and purchasing details, please visit our online book store.

The 20 Listed Buildings at the Royal Gunpowder Mills

	L157 Group C Incorporating Mill (1861) Grade 1 Listed No: 1140098 NGR: TL3773701167 View Historic England Listing
	A201/A202 Mixing House & Saltpetre Mill (1787) Grade 2* Listed No: 1251016 NGR: TL3768800948 View Historic England Listing
	L148 Group G Incorporating Mill No.7 (1888) Grade 2* Listed No: 1262902 NGR: TL3768901284 View Historic England Listing
	L149 Group E Incorporating Mill No.3 (1869) Grade 2* Listed No: 1251161 NGR: TL3774301289 View Historic England Listing
	L153 Group D Incorporating Mill No.8 (1867) Grade 2* Listed No: 1251162 NGR: TL3771001232 View Historic England Listing
	L168 Engine House & Mechanics Shop (1857) Grade 2* Listed No: 1251159 NGR: TL3771801050 View Historic England Listing
	L176/L177 Boiler House & Dynamo House (1857 & 1902) Grade 2* Listed No: 1329390 NGR: TL3773401026 View Historic England Listing
	L133 Magazine (1879) Grade 2 Listed No: 1140103 NGR: TL3764901442 View Historic England Listing
	L134 Cordite Press House (1915) Grade 2 Listed No: 1424791 NGR: TL3768601424 View Historic England Listing
	L135 Tray Magazine (1882) Grade 2 Listed No: 1329392 NGR: TL3766001440 View Historic England Listing
	L136 Remote Accumulator Tower (1879) Grade 2 Listed No: 1251099 NGR: TL3764001420 View Historic England Listing
	L141 Sorting House (1889) Grade 2 Listed No: 1329389 NGR: TL3765301376 View Historic England Listing
	L145 Group F Incorporating Mill No 6 (1878) Grade 2 Listed No: 1251164 NGR: TL3766701338 View Historic England Listing
	L154 Expense Magazine (1864) Grade 2 Listed No: 1140099 NGR: TL3770801200 View Historic England Listing
	L165 Mineral Jelly Store No.2 (1916) Grade 2 Listed No: 1140102 NGR: TL3771201084 View Historic England Listing
	L167 Reel Drying Stove (1889) Grade 2 Listed No: 1251073 NGR: TL3777001120 View Historic England Listing
	L170a Expense Magazine (1857) Grade 2 Listed No: 1140100 NGR: TL3778001090 View Historic England Listing
	A200 Walton House (1787) Grade 2 Listed No: 1140101 NGR: TL3770800958 View Historic England Listing
	H7 Reel Drying Stove (1904) Grade 2 Listed No: 1251036 NGR: TL3756101100 View Historic England Listing

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Fireworks FAQs

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Object in Focus: The South Site model map and history of cordite

Owen, one of our 2024 Work Experience placements, looks into a model map found in the sites artefact store.
Object in Focus: Buck & Hickman tachometer

Read Louise's research and investigation into a Buck & Hickman tachometer found in the depths of the Royal Gunpowder Mills storage archive.

Walking Tours

Join our Walking Tours to access Restricted areas with an experienced guide
Philippa Walton

Pioneering industrialist and entrepreneur who owned, managed and greatly improved the Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Mills.
Highly Charged Words

A light hearted glossary of phrases and sayings in common use today, which originated from gunpowder production and military use.
RGM Historic Book Series

The Historic Reprint Series are Facsimilie reprints of books having historical relevance to the development and manufacture of gunpowder at the Royal Gunpowder Mills.
RGM Book Series

Books about the history of the Royal Gunpowder Mills written by Archive Volunteers.
Paintings of the Mills

Step back in time to explore an explosive past through the vision of the artists who have painted the sights and scenes at the Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Railway History

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a narrow gauge railway was used to transport materials around the site.
Powder Boats

Powder Boats were used to transport explosives materials around the network of narrow canals on the Royal Gunpowder Mills site.
Canals & Waterways

The Millhead Stream was used as a canal for the smooth and safe delivery of raw materials and collection of gunpowder. By 1800 the system had been further extended by the building of new mills on the banks of the old River Lea and the connection of these to the Millhead by canals.