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Roslin, Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills
Gunpowder Works (19th Century)
Site Name Roslin, Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills
Classification Gunpowder Works (19th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Rosslyn; Roslin Glen Country Park
Canmore ID 212967
Site Number NT26SE 132
NGR NT 26580 62362
NGR Description From NT 26574 62423 to NT 26588 62104
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/212967
- Council Midlothian
- Parish Lasswade
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District Midlothian
- Former County Midlothian
NT 2658 6236 East Lothian Council Archaeology Service was commissioned by Midlothian Council to undertake a baseline survey of the Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills in order to prepare a management plan for the site. The surviving structures were assessed and photographed, and recommendations for further work were made.
Information from East Lothian Council (30/12/06)
Ruins of former Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills. Part of a larger complex that once occupied the site, opened in the early 1800s. Remains of stone gables and lined waterways.
Note (1945 - 1946)
'This factory originally erected in 1790 is situated outside Edinburgh and covers an area of 100 acres. It is divided into two sections, the original one for the manufacture of blackpowder and the second for the filling of bombs. This second section was re-opened in 1935.
Steam is generated in boilers and water power from the River North Esk is used for driving some of the mills. In 1938 the production of blackpowder was increased from 20 to 30 tons per week and from March 1940 there was a further increase to 40 tons. The bomb section rapidly extended in the early months of the war and the workers increased from a few dozen to a peak figure of 318 of which about 60% were women. The chief products manufactured were signal cartridges, incendiary bombs and fuses.'
MS8270/9
Condition Survey (December 2006)
NT 2658 6236 East Lothian Council Archaeology Service was commissioned by Midlothian Council to undertake a baseline survey of the Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills in order to prepare a management plan for the site. This work was undertaken during December 2006. The surviving structures were assessed and photographed, and recommendations for further work were made.
Report deposited with RCAHMS and East Lothian and Midlothian SMR.
Funder: Midlothian Council.
Standing Building Recording (28 November 2006)
Tom Addyman accompanied David Connolly, Heritage Officer for Midlothian Council for a day of site inspection of the remains of the historic gunpowder works in Roslin Glen – Tuesday 28 November 2006.
The purpose of the exercise was to consider in detail individual elements of the ‘heritage asset’ – the remains of a very extensive series of water-powered gun-powder manufacturing mills and associated infrastructure.
Information from Addyman Archaeology
