Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills is a historic site in the Tillingbourne valley.

The mills were built over 300 years ago and were operational from the 1620s until 1920, being most extensive and productive in the 17th century and from the 1880s to the end of World War I. More information about the operational history of the mills can be seen on the timeline page.

Traditional black gunpowder was made throughout its history with modern explosives, such as cordite, manufactured in the last decades of its operation.

Location

Chilworth Gunpowder Mills is located in Chilworth with limited parking and three main pedestrian entrances.

Things to See and do

Heritage Trail

The trail visits the Middle Works, a central section in a much larger area of industry along the Tillingbourne.

With numerous buildings and over 2kms of paths taking you through the mills you will be able to follow its history.

Scan the QR codes on each post to learn more about the mills and their past.

The Middle Works were operational from the 1650s until 1920. To the east, past the Lockner Farm track, you will find the Upper Works (17th century and 1890s-1920). To the west, on the other side of Blacksmith Lane, are the Lower Works. These date from 1626, and later they become the service area of the gunpowder mills. The Upper and Lower works are on private land and are not accessible to the public.