Among Chilworth woods, on the course of the Tilling Bourne river, once stood a gunpowder mill. Founded by the East India Company in 1625, it was one of the largest powder works in the country, employing 600 people at its peak, and supplying gunpowder to the government.
The downturn in demand for explosives at the end of the war resulted in amalgamations in the industry, leading to the closure of the last factory in 1920. Many of the buildings were converted into dwellings after that point and a small community known at “Tin Town” lived in the valley until the early 1960’s.
Although many have been demolished, several buildings still exist within the site. Like these old walls of former buildings,
the steam engine bed
and an edge runner stone.
A selection of these old millstones are visible as you walk towards the old mill.
There’s also a swing bridge which helped punts travel up and down the waterways.
By the river and wetlands, a storage hut is nestled in-between the trees.
This area although overgrown for the most part is surrounded by beautiful pathways.
What was once the old mill stood tall in the sunshine, the blue sky its backdrop.
Its remains are classed as a monument
but being exposed to the elements it’s awash with moss and ivy.
I’m not sure this wonderful place would have been discovered if it hadn’t been for wanting an abandoned photo. But what a great find.
Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.
Really interesting pictures… I can only imagine that a gun powder mill must have been a pretty dangerous place to work, thee must have been some accidents! X
Very atmospheric photos – I don’t think I’d like to visit there at night!
How beautiful can something that has been abandoned be.
Lovely photos. I particularly like the black and white shot and the one with the long lane and tunnel of trees!
Your photos are lovely!! What a great place to visit! This would be right up my hubbys street!
What an intriguing place! That black and white photo is amazing, so atmospheric.
What a great discovery-I love finding places like this to explore.
Charly you continue to amaze me on all your great adventures you go on. What a great place for photos too an abandon place too. Bet would be spooky at night. lol Lovely shots here and post. Can’t wait to see where you go next with that camera. Amazing. #whatsthestory
I do love abandoned places and the photos that can go along with it. I’d love to go on an urban explore photography trip – but I’m not brave enough lol
What an amazing place to explore! I have visions of my younger brother and I as kids, we would have LOVED it there.
It looks like a fairytale place, where you could ruin and make up so many stories. I love places like this as do my boys
what a very interesting post , great to read, you have such fantastic ventures x
Oh Wow!!! Charly, this is stunning and I went all goose pimply when I was reading this. I love learning about the history of a place and this one is right up my street. What an amazing find and I bet you got a real sense of history when you were walking around. Fabulous post xx #whatsthestory
impressive pictures, i wish i can be as good as you photography wise
A very interesting find, and you’ve so many fabulous photos. Fascinating story.
What an interesting place, lovely pictures x
Amazing place and beautiful photos! I love exploring abandoned places like this 🙂
It must have been such a big hive of activity back in the day. Your photos may it look really serene and slightly eery too. Wonder of nature will just overtake it all one day.
It looks look a really interesting place to explore. I can’t wait to explore places like this with my children as soon as we’ve ditched the buggy!
I always find I learn things from you. Looks an interesting place x
Those millstones are so regal and sombre! Your black and white shots have captured them especially well. I’d love to visit this place.
How interesting to read about the history of this place, and your photos are great. Where exactly is Chilworth?
Oh this is exactly my kind of place – full of history and beautiful, haunting even to look at. Where abouts is it in the country? Love your photos.
What an amazing place to visit and yet again some wonderful photo’s. Love your pictures
Places like this fascinate me – I think of all the people who worked there and those who probably lost their lives when explosions happened, as they did from time to time. There were similar, although less well preserved, gunpowder mills near where I lived in Dartford and I always liked walking there.
What an interesting place to visit. Gorgeous photos as ever x
this place looks fantastic! We would love to go exploring in a place like this x
What an absolutely beautiful location… I love places like this, they make me feel so at peace.
What a wonderful place!! I love exploring old ruins and places with a lot of history x
Theres so much drama in your photos. Stories too. I am currently watching (non stop) the season 8 of criminal minds and my mind is in adark place so when I saw your photos .. the story that came to mind is morbid and gothic. Amazing photos as always. #WhatsTheStory
What a gorgeous looking place, your photos are stunning. x
It is nice to find such a lovely “forgotten” place
Great photos, Charly. I love old industrial architecture, and this was a stunner with the vegetation swallowing it all back into the woods again. All the best, Bonny
I love to visit places like this. They are so beautiful and atmospheric.
I love your slideshow! There’s nothing like a great British day out is there!
Definitely a #whatsthestory through photos!