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HM Factory Gretna Site 3: Eastriggs
Date 11 May 2022
Event ID 1159631
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1159631
Canmore ID 375141
NY26SW 38.45
NY 24888 64988 centred
Nothing is now visible in dense deciduous scrub woodland of two tall steel framed towers topped by cabins (NY 24886 64982, NY 24890 64994), located immediately adjacent to the NNE wall of Retort House South (NY26SW 38.12) and the SSW wall of Retort House North (NY26SW 38.11).
The cabins are identified as Electric Elevators within a Ministry of Munition of War report (MMW 1919, 61) held in the National Archives, Kew, outlining the processes involved in the manufacture of the cordite propellant during the First World War at H.M. Factory, Gretna (Site 3, Eastriggs). They were the means by which the Nitre was conveyed in trolleys from the Nitre Dryer (NY26SW 38.13) to the upper level of the Retort Houses (MMDES 1920, 98). Both structures are shown on an undated plan (SUPP 10-39) and a blueprint (SUPP 10-27, 3802) held by the National Archives at Kew, which indicate that they were rectangular on plan and measured roughly 2.5m from ENE to WSW by 2m transversely. Ground-based contemporary official photographs (MUN5-297 pt3, 439, 475) taken after construction show that the more northerly had a roof that sloped downwards from NNE to SSW, with single windows in the WNW and ESE elevations, while there was possibly also a taller opening in the SSW elevation.
Both structures formed part of Lot 507, which was offered for sale by auction on 22-25 July 1924 (H.M. Treasury 1924, 101), when the lot was purchased by Messrs James Jackson & Co Ltd, St Vincent Street, Glasgow (Carlisle City Archives, DX 2040/3).
Visited by HES Heritage Recording (MMD and ATW), 11 May 2022.
