Monument record 1160/3/21 - Civil War Gunpowder Works, south-west of Derngate

Gunpowder Works, recorded in Northampton, in operation at least between December 1643 and January 1646. The works were located in the barns of the Tower on the south side of Derngate, with associated water mills nearby.

{2} Square flanker located south of Tower Close with powderworks situated behind; part of Civil War defences; conjectural plan based on Hooper's survey of 1645.

{3} A Gunpowder Works was recorded in operation in Northampton between at least December 1643 and January 1646. The Gunpowder Works were apparently located in the barns of the Tower on the south side of Derngate. The barns were adapted as saltpetre refineries and a water-powered powder mill established in the middle of the brook running from St Thomas's Hospital into Cow Meadow.

<1> Welsh T.C., 2000-01, Documentary Sources for The Course of The Medieval Town Wall, Northampton, (unchecked) (Article). SNN103958.

<2> Foard G.R., 1994, The Civil War Defences of Northampton, Fig.10 (checked) (Article). SNN826.

<3> Cocroft W.D., 2000, Dangerous Energy - The archaeology of gunpowder and military explosives manufacture (Book). SNN101526.

Record last edited

Jun 29 2022 2:50PM