Grand Magazine

The Grand Magazine held 1,000 (100 Lb) barrels or 45 tonnes of gun powder. The fittings on the barrels were made of copper to prevent sparks.

Huge Cavity walls with side tunnels and a wooden suspended floor with air vents prevented the build up of damp allowing the powder to breath but also to prevent the powder from sweating and becoming, what we know today as Nitro-Glycerine.

The lobby at the front of this magazine allowed for the manoeuvring of barrels and for changing into woollen magazine clothing.

Recent further investigation into, what we traditionally called the Main Magazine, has un-covered that it was originally called the Grand Magazine and it is believed to be the only structure of it's design and method of construction in the United Kingdom and possibly Europe.

The Grand Magazine is currently closed to the general public for essential restoration works.