Oare Gunpowder Mill - Kent Historic Sites

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Oare Gunpowder Mill - Kent Historic Sites

The Oare Gunpowder Mlll is a site that was used to produce gunpowder from the seventeenth century until the 1930's. Gunpowder was produced in the Faversham area on two sites at Chart and Oare.

The history of Oare is a very interesting one. In 1694 the mills were operated by Huguenot refuges from France who had fled from religious persecution, by 1844 both the gunpowder mills at Chart and Oare were under one ownership, the works were refurbished in the 1920's and still produced gunpowder until the mid 1930's when it was closed, both the mills were driven by waterwheels with water from the Oare stream, and when you visit the site you will see many of the original buildings used in the manufacture of gunpowder.

After letting nature take its course for 70 years the site was opened up and turned into a nature reserve for the conservation of of wildlife. and both the industrial and wildlife survive side by side so you can see past and present. This is really worth a visit both for the nature trail and the history of our county.

Opening times:

9am to 5pm weekdays

10am to 4pm weekends

For more information contact:

Tel 01795 424341

Facilities available:

Car parking
Disabled access
toilet

While you are in the area you might like to visit Chart Mills they are the oldest of their kind and produced gunpowder for over 400 years, powder from Chart was used at the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo, Chart also features the complete remains of an early nineteenth century waterwheel fully restored and is the oldest of it kind in the world.

Chart is open at weekends and bank holidays from April until October 2-5pm Free admission

The Mills are usually open at weekends and Bank Holidays from April to October between 2pm - 5pm. But ring the contact number before you plan a visit. There was no admission charge on our visit but donations are appreciated.

You'll find the Mills at:

Stonebridge Way
Faversham
Call the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre on 01795 534542
for more information or visit www.faversham.org

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