Chart Gunpowder Mills Museums

Centre of the nation's explosive?s industry for 400 years, the 18th century Chart Gunpowder Mills are the oldest of their kind in the world, powder from which was used at the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.

Chart Mills were part of the Home Works, Faversham's first gunpowder factory and one of the first in Britain. It was established probably circa 1560 but the Chart Mills were rebuilt when the Government took control some 200 years later.

Following Chart Mills' closure in the 1930s, it fell into disrepair and was almost lost until The Faversham Society rescued the Mills, restored it and opened it to the public in April 1969.

Chart Mills is one of the very few fully restored gunpowder mills in the country and, given a suitable water supply, is fully working.

Chart Gunpowder Mills are open from April to October, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday, Sunday and BHs.

There is no admission charge but donations are appreciated.

Groups and those with a special interest can visit at other times by arrangement with the curator John Breeze 01795 534915 or by contacting the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre.

Guided tours based on the Mills are also available and take about 1 hour. Please contact Tony Golding 01795 539852.