Gorebridge, Stobs Powder Mills

At Gorebridge, Stobs Mill (c.1793) was the first gunpowder works to supply explosives for coal extraction.

J Butt, 1967.

The Object Name Book of the Ordnance Survey describes the gunpowder works as 'An extensive gun powder manufactory on the (N) side of the Gore Burn and immediately S of Gorebridge and carried on by Messers Hatchener and Hunter' (Name Book 1852).

The gunpowdeer factory is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Edinburghshire, 1854, sheet 13) as at least twenty roofed buildings.

The cottages for the workers at the mill situated at Stobs Mill village are recorded under NT36SW 114.01.

All that is shown in the area formerly taken by the mills on the current OS 1:2500 scale digital map is Stobs Mill House and garden (NT36SW 125.00,.01).

Information from RCAHMS (DE), December 2006

NT 34459 61154 A walkover survey was undertaken, March 2018, at the site of the former Gunpowder Works. The aim of the study was to provide an updated baseline survey of the structural remains, assess the remains for consolidation requirements and produce a Conservation Management Plan.

The 2018 survey was based upon a survey undertaken in 2009, which examined the remains of the works on the S side of the Gore Water. The 2018 work also surveyed the remains on the N side of the river. It was found that the majority of the structures previously surveyed still remained in a fairly stable condition. However, since the previous study, some tree works had taken place and some additional damage had occurred to the structures. The study area boundary was expanded and a number of additional sites were identified and added to the existing plan. The results were used to inform the assessment of significance of the site. The assessment concluded that the site is of ‘considerable’ cultural significance, meaning that it has national importance.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Gorebridge Community Development Trust

Elizabeth Jones – Addyman Archaeology

(Source: DES Volume 19)