Woolley Gunpowder Mills

Sectors:

  • Chemical production Explosives & fuses production

Notes:

Established 1722 by leading Bristol merchants, some involved in the slave trade in which gunpowder was an important barter good. The Strachey family, Somerset gentry, also became involved in mid 18th century as important partners through marriage. A major plant. For long managed by the Worgan family. Sought unsuccessfully contracts with Board of Ordinance. In decline in the last decades of 18th century due to fall off in merchant demand and closed around 1800

Groups: