Oare Gunpowder Works, the best preserved of its kind in the UK
after Waltham Abbey, was one of three such factories in the
Faversham area. All three closed in the 1930s, because their
situation close to Continental Europe made them vulnerable in the
event of war. Production, and some machinery and staff, were
transferred to Ardeer, near Saltcoats, in Ayrshire, Scotland.
The site remained neglected for many years but is now scheduled
as an Ancient Monument, having been recognised as one of only three
sites of prime national importance in the gunpowder industry. It is
open to the public all year round, free of charge, after
conservation and landscaping work.
The Oare Works is in the parish of Davington, about 1 mile west
of Faversham, and less than 10 minutes’ drive from junctions
6 or 7 of the M2, via the A2 and B2045. It takes its name from the
village of Oare, and stretches nearly as far as the head of Oare
Creek, below Oare Pond and Meadow (a nature reserve), from Bysing
Wood Road, Davington.
Founded in about 1690 by Huguenot refugees who were encouraged
to settle in Faversham because French gunpowder production
technology in the 17th-century was more advanced than English, the
Oare Works (originally known as Davington Mills) slowly expanded,
and was progressively modernised, throughout its working life. What
can be seen today reflects the changes that took place during its
life of nearly 250 years.
Without its output, many great civil engineering works of the
Industrial Revolution would have been impossible. Like almost all
gunpowder factories, it was a place of great beauty, even when its
full complement of 300 staff were at work.
It remains so today – a place for delightful waterside and
woodland strolls, with the bonus of fascinating survivals of its
industrial past.
The site is open to the public seven days a week. The vistor
centre is well worth a look and there are toilets inside, when it's
open. There are plenty of picnic tables and some great areas for
kids to explore and play. Please be aware of some deep water and
steep drops in places.
The answers to all of the questions can be found on the
information signs throughout the site - just follow the red path
(or yellow path for wheelchairs, buggies etc.) Once you have found
the answers, carry on along the red or yellow path to reach the
final cache location. The last few metres are, regrettably,
unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Please note that vehicle access to the car park is
restricted to the following times:
9 am to 5pm weekdays all year round.
10.30am to 4.30pm weekends and Public Holidays from April to
November inclusive.
Visitor Centre Opening Times:
Weekends and Public Holidays from April to November 10.30am to
4.30pm.
Placed with the very kind permission of Swale Borough
Council.