The Royal Arsenal: A Look into its History and Significance
Woolwich Royal Arsenal Overview
The Woolwich Royal Arsenal was a British armaments manufacturer and supplier based in Woolwich, southeast London. The site was originally established in the 17th century as a royal laboratory for the manufacture of ordnance and expanded over the centuries to become the largest munitions factory in the world by the early 20th century. The Royal Arsenal celebrated its quincentenary in 2018, marking 500 years of operation. This article will examine the history and importance of the Royal Arsenal.
The Beginning
In its early years, the Royal Arsenal began as the Woolwich Royal Naval Dockyard's unstaffed Gunwharf, however, The Royal Arsenal began in July 1518 when a small plot by the Thames in Woolwich was purchased for the equipping of newly constructed warships. This 'Gunwharf' was outgrown by 1670, and the Crown obtained the almost adjacent estate known as Tower Place or the Woolwich Warren, whose land was already being rented out for the 'proofing' of artillery. The Arsenal produced a wide range of weapons and ammunition, including muskets, cannons, and gunpowder.
Armaments production
When considering the early history of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, the armaments production started on site at the Woolwich Warren in about 1696. This involved the manufacture of Fireworks and Explosive Ammunition. There was already on site a proof butt, used at the contractor's own expense to proof guns/barrels for supply to the navy etc.
Progressively the Warren site developed to include Gun and Carriage production and by 1805 the King decided that overall activity warranted a name change to the Royal Arsenal. Not only a place of manufacture but also a national arms store.
The Role in the Industrial Revolution
The Royal Arsenal was established long before the Industrial Revolution, but the era of technological and manufacturing advancements greatly impacted its production. The Royal Arsenal embraced new technologies such as steam power and machine tools, which greatly increased its efficiency and productivity.
One of the most significant innovations of the Industrial Revolution was the development of interchangeable parts. This meant that weapons could be produced in a more efficient manner, as parts could be easily replaced without the need for skilled craftsmen.
The Royal Arsenal was quick to adopt this new technology, and by the mid-19th century it was producing weapons with interchangeable parts. This not only increased production, but it also meant that weapons could be repaired more easily in the field.
The Royal Arsenal also made use of the new manufacturing techniques of the Industrial Revolution, such as assembly line production. This allowed for weapons to be produced at a faster rate, and at a lower cost. The Woolwich Arsenal was truly a key player in the Industrial Revolution and its legacy lives on.
Expansion and Modernization
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Arsenal underwent a period of significant expansion and modernization. New workshops and factories were built, and the latest technologies were implemented to increase production.
One of the Arsenal's most significant contributions was the development of cannons in the 18th century. These cannons were used by the British army in various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The Arsenal also produced shot and cannonballs on a large scale, further contributing to the effectiveness of the British artillery.
The arsenal had grown to become one of the largest and most advanced armament production facilities in the world.
In the later decades of the nineteenth century, the Royal Arsenal was among the world’s largest depots for army stores, and an arms factory without parallel. It deployed the heaviest and most sophisticated machine tools invented, to devastating effect on many distant parts of the world.
The Impact on pre-WW1 Wars
The Woolwich Royal Arsenal played a significant role in the pre-World War I conflicts, supplying the British military with armaments and munitions. The arsenal was a major supplier of artillery for the British army during the Boer War and played a crucial role in the production of armaments for the British Expeditionary Force in World War I.
The technological innovations developed at the Woolwich Royal Arsenal, such as the development of rifled artillery, had a lasting impact on the field of armaments and warfare. The rifled artillery produced at the arsenal was more accurate and had a longer range than traditional smoothbore artillery, giving the British military a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Examples of Artillery used in Wars
Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815):
The Congreve rockets produced by the Royal Arsenal Woolwich were used in several engagements during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo.
War of 1812 (1812-1815):
The Congreve rockets were used by the British during the War of 1812, including the burning of the White House in 1814.
Crimean War (1853-1856):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a variety of artillery pieces that were used by the British in the Crimean War, including mortars, field guns, and naval cannons.
Indian Rebellion of 1857: The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced weapons and equipment that were used by British troops during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, including field guns, mortars.
Second Opium War (1856-1860):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery that was used by the British in the Second Opium War, including mortars, field guns.
Boer War (1899-1902):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery that was used by the British in the Boer War, including field guns, howitzers, guns and bullets.
World War I (1914-1918):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery and other weapons that were used by the British in World War I, including field guns, mortars, machine guns, shells, bombs and torpedoes.
World War II (1939-1945):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a variety of weapons and equipment that were used by the British in World War II, including artillery, tanks, machine guns, bullets, shells, bombs and torpedoes.
Role in World War I and II
The Royal Arsenal played a crucial role in both World War I and II. During WWI, the arsenal was responsible for producing a large portion of the armaments and munitions used by British and Commonwealth forces. This included everything from small arms to heavy artillery. In WWII, the arsenal continued to play a vital role, producing a wide range of armaments, including tanks and aircraft.
20th Century Innovations
In the early 20th century, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich began to produce tanks and armoured vehicles. These vehicles were used in World War I and World War II and they played a critical role in the outcome of both conflicts. Some of the famous tanks produced by the Arsenal were the Mark I and Mark V tanks, which were used in the Battle of the Somme.
During World War II, the Arsenal produced a variety of different cannons and artillery pieces, including the famous BL 4.5 inch howitzer and the BL 5 inch gun. These guns were widely used by the British military and they played a key role in many battles.
The Impact on Modern Military Manufacturing
The Royal Arsenal played a crucial role in shaping the field of military manufacturing. The innovations and technologies developed at the Royal Arsenal have had a lasting impact on the way we think about weapons and equipment.
One of the most significant contributions of the Royal Arsenal was the development of interchangeable parts. This allowed for weapons to be produced and repaired more efficiently, and it is a concept that is still used in military manufacturing today.
The Impact on Production Development
Throughout its history, the Arsenal produced a wide variety of armaments and military equipment that played a critical role in shaping the course of warfare. The Woolwich Arsenal played a vital role in the technological advancements of manufacturing and production methods during the Industrial Revolution. Its innovations in manufacturing, materials, and technologies had a lasting impact on the weapons industry and other industries as well. The arsenal was a pioneer in the use of iron and steel in weapon production with the use of precision machinery such as lathes, milling machines, and drilling machines in weapon production, which greatly increased the efficiency and speed of production.
Artillery
One of the main items produced by the Royal Arsenal Woolwich was artillery. The Arsenal was initially established to produce artillery and other weapons, and it continued to produce a wide variety of artillery throughout its history, including muskets, pistols, and rifles. These artillery pieces were used by the British military and their allies, and they played a key role in many battles and wars. significant producer of artillery, including Congreve rockets, which were used in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. These rockets had a long range and caused significant damage to enemy fortifications and ships. The Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced torpedoes for naval warfare, mortars, howitzers, and various types of field guns, which were used in many battles and campaigns throughout history.
Rifled Guns
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich was also one of the first factories to produce rifled guns, which were more accurate and had a longer range than traditional smoothbore guns. These rifled guns were quickly adopted by other armies, and they played a key role in the development of new tactics and strategies. The introduction of rifled guns had a profound impact on the nature of warfare and the way battles were fought.
Gun Carriages
In addition to producing guns, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced gun carriages. These carriages were used to transport and support artillery pieces, and they were crucial for moving artillery around the battlefield. The Arsenal's gun carriages were considered to be some of the best in the world, and they were widely used by the British military and their allies.
Clothing and Equipment
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced clothing and equipment for soldiers. This included uniforms, tents, and supplies such as ammunition boxes. These items were essential for the soldiers and they helped to ensure that they were well-equipped and prepared for battle.
Other Military Items
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a wide variety of other military items as well. This included bayonets, swords, and other equipment for the soldiers. These items were crucial for the soldiers and they helped to ensure that they were well-equipped and prepared for battle.
Explosives and Ammunition
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich was also a major producer of different kinds of explosives and ammunition for the British military during the 18th and 19th centuries. These items were used in battles and wars and they played a key role in shaping the course of warfare.
Women Workers
During the First World War, munitions workers played a crucial role in supplying the troops with armaments and equipment, freeing up men to join the armed forces. The Ministry of Munitions was established in 1915 to control the output of war material, and oversaw all aspects of production and supply. However, workers in this field were at risk of TNT poisoning, which caused their skin to turn yellow and could lead to death if exposure was prolonged. These workers were referred to as "canaries" due to their yellow appearance.
Decline and Closure
After WWII, the Royal Arsenal began to decline as the demand for armaments decreased. In the 1960s, the British government decided to close the arsenal, and the last workshop closed its doors in 1967.
Contraction began in 1918, land disposals in 1952 and extinguishment came in 1994 yet its innovation and role were vital until the very last moment. Throughout its long drawn out demise the Royal Arsenal's Whitehall masters paid scant regard to the remarkable heritage within its two square miles. Merely 21 of its 1,100 buildings would be designated for post-military survival and its archive would have been lost entirely without the efforts of concerned employees.
Today
Today, the site is a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, but many of the original buildings and structures still remain, giving visitors a glimpse into the arsenal's storied past.
The Story
The story of the Arsenal is the story of the growth of the largest military industrial complex in Europe. The story necessarily includes the Dockyard and Ropeyard going back 500 years..
It is not a celebration of warfare, or of the tools of warfare, but one cannot tell the story of a factory by omitting the development of the product.
The Arsenal was never just its buildings. The Arsenal was a tradition of craft and knowledge that passed unbroken from the laying of the first keel to the stamping of the final cartridge. Traditions that spanned some four hundred and fifty years. It shaped the development of Woolwich, Plumstead, Charlton and Eltham. Of national note, and whether good or bad, the Arsenal was also of pivotal importance and at the very heart of the development of the British Empire.
We are telling a story of endeavour, ingenuity, innovation and human industry through the experiences of the ordinary women and men, the military, the craft-masters and the innovators, who together made Woolwich known across the globe.
Legacy
The Royal Arsenal was a vital part of British military and industrial history. For over 500 years, it supplied the country's armed forces with the necessary armaments and munitions, playing a crucial role in the country's military efforts and economic development. Today, the site serves as a reminder of this important piece of history.
Unearthing the Secret City
The ultimate goal of the this website RAH Facebook group is to collect enough information and photos of the Royal Arsenal to unearth "the Secret City" and map each photo to each area, assigning map overlays on streets in order to bring alive the history. The group aims to help identify and preserve remaining Royal Arsenal features and buildings, cataloguing the history and bringing to public attention the importance of the Royal Arsenal.
For more detailed information on the Royal Arsenal, we encourage you to browse through the menus of this website, where you can discover the interesting story and history of the site.
RAH Social Media
RAH Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/royal.arsenal.history
RAH YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@royal-arsenal-history
RAH Instagram page www.instagram.com/rahistory_com
RAH Twitter page www.twitter.com/rahistory_com
RAH Facebook page www.facebook.com/RoyalArsenalHistory
500 Years Presentation video
The Woolwich Royal Arsenal was a British armaments manufacturer and supplier based in Woolwich, southeast London. The site was originally established in the 17th century as a royal laboratory for the manufacture of ordnance and expanded over the centuries to become the largest munitions factory in the world by the early 20th century. The Royal Arsenal celebrated its quincentenary in 2018, marking 500 years of operation. This article will examine the history and importance of the Royal Arsenal.
The Beginning
In its early years, the Royal Arsenal began as the Woolwich Royal Naval Dockyard's unstaffed Gunwharf, however, The Royal Arsenal began in July 1518 when a small plot by the Thames in Woolwich was purchased for the equipping of newly constructed warships. This 'Gunwharf' was outgrown by 1670, and the Crown obtained the almost adjacent estate known as Tower Place or the Woolwich Warren, whose land was already being rented out for the 'proofing' of artillery. The Arsenal produced a wide range of weapons and ammunition, including muskets, cannons, and gunpowder.
Armaments production
When considering the early history of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, the armaments production started on site at the Woolwich Warren in about 1696. This involved the manufacture of Fireworks and Explosive Ammunition. There was already on site a proof butt, used at the contractor's own expense to proof guns/barrels for supply to the navy etc.
Progressively the Warren site developed to include Gun and Carriage production and by 1805 the King decided that overall activity warranted a name change to the Royal Arsenal. Not only a place of manufacture but also a national arms store.
The Role in the Industrial Revolution
The Royal Arsenal was established long before the Industrial Revolution, but the era of technological and manufacturing advancements greatly impacted its production. The Royal Arsenal embraced new technologies such as steam power and machine tools, which greatly increased its efficiency and productivity.
One of the most significant innovations of the Industrial Revolution was the development of interchangeable parts. This meant that weapons could be produced in a more efficient manner, as parts could be easily replaced without the need for skilled craftsmen.
The Royal Arsenal was quick to adopt this new technology, and by the mid-19th century it was producing weapons with interchangeable parts. This not only increased production, but it also meant that weapons could be repaired more easily in the field.
The Royal Arsenal also made use of the new manufacturing techniques of the Industrial Revolution, such as assembly line production. This allowed for weapons to be produced at a faster rate, and at a lower cost. The Woolwich Arsenal was truly a key player in the Industrial Revolution and its legacy lives on.
Expansion and Modernization
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Arsenal underwent a period of significant expansion and modernization. New workshops and factories were built, and the latest technologies were implemented to increase production.
One of the Arsenal's most significant contributions was the development of cannons in the 18th century. These cannons were used by the British army in various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The Arsenal also produced shot and cannonballs on a large scale, further contributing to the effectiveness of the British artillery.
The arsenal had grown to become one of the largest and most advanced armament production facilities in the world.
In the later decades of the nineteenth century, the Royal Arsenal was among the world’s largest depots for army stores, and an arms factory without parallel. It deployed the heaviest and most sophisticated machine tools invented, to devastating effect on many distant parts of the world.
The Impact on pre-WW1 Wars
The Woolwich Royal Arsenal played a significant role in the pre-World War I conflicts, supplying the British military with armaments and munitions. The arsenal was a major supplier of artillery for the British army during the Boer War and played a crucial role in the production of armaments for the British Expeditionary Force in World War I.
The technological innovations developed at the Woolwich Royal Arsenal, such as the development of rifled artillery, had a lasting impact on the field of armaments and warfare. The rifled artillery produced at the arsenal was more accurate and had a longer range than traditional smoothbore artillery, giving the British military a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Examples of Artillery used in Wars
Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815):
The Congreve rockets produced by the Royal Arsenal Woolwich were used in several engagements during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo.
War of 1812 (1812-1815):
The Congreve rockets were used by the British during the War of 1812, including the burning of the White House in 1814.
Crimean War (1853-1856):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a variety of artillery pieces that were used by the British in the Crimean War, including mortars, field guns, and naval cannons.
Indian Rebellion of 1857: The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced weapons and equipment that were used by British troops during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, including field guns, mortars.
Second Opium War (1856-1860):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery that was used by the British in the Second Opium War, including mortars, field guns.
Boer War (1899-1902):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery that was used by the British in the Boer War, including field guns, howitzers, guns and bullets.
World War I (1914-1918):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced artillery and other weapons that were used by the British in World War I, including field guns, mortars, machine guns, shells, bombs and torpedoes.
World War II (1939-1945):
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a variety of weapons and equipment that were used by the British in World War II, including artillery, tanks, machine guns, bullets, shells, bombs and torpedoes.
Role in World War I and II
The Royal Arsenal played a crucial role in both World War I and II. During WWI, the arsenal was responsible for producing a large portion of the armaments and munitions used by British and Commonwealth forces. This included everything from small arms to heavy artillery. In WWII, the arsenal continued to play a vital role, producing a wide range of armaments, including tanks and aircraft.
20th Century Innovations
In the early 20th century, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich began to produce tanks and armoured vehicles. These vehicles were used in World War I and World War II and they played a critical role in the outcome of both conflicts. Some of the famous tanks produced by the Arsenal were the Mark I and Mark V tanks, which were used in the Battle of the Somme.
During World War II, the Arsenal produced a variety of different cannons and artillery pieces, including the famous BL 4.5 inch howitzer and the BL 5 inch gun. These guns were widely used by the British military and they played a key role in many battles.
The Impact on Modern Military Manufacturing
The Royal Arsenal played a crucial role in shaping the field of military manufacturing. The innovations and technologies developed at the Royal Arsenal have had a lasting impact on the way we think about weapons and equipment.
One of the most significant contributions of the Royal Arsenal was the development of interchangeable parts. This allowed for weapons to be produced and repaired more efficiently, and it is a concept that is still used in military manufacturing today.
The Impact on Production Development
Throughout its history, the Arsenal produced a wide variety of armaments and military equipment that played a critical role in shaping the course of warfare. The Woolwich Arsenal played a vital role in the technological advancements of manufacturing and production methods during the Industrial Revolution. Its innovations in manufacturing, materials, and technologies had a lasting impact on the weapons industry and other industries as well. The arsenal was a pioneer in the use of iron and steel in weapon production with the use of precision machinery such as lathes, milling machines, and drilling machines in weapon production, which greatly increased the efficiency and speed of production.
Artillery
One of the main items produced by the Royal Arsenal Woolwich was artillery. The Arsenal was initially established to produce artillery and other weapons, and it continued to produce a wide variety of artillery throughout its history, including muskets, pistols, and rifles. These artillery pieces were used by the British military and their allies, and they played a key role in many battles and wars. significant producer of artillery, including Congreve rockets, which were used in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. These rockets had a long range and caused significant damage to enemy fortifications and ships. The Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced torpedoes for naval warfare, mortars, howitzers, and various types of field guns, which were used in many battles and campaigns throughout history.
Rifled Guns
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich was also one of the first factories to produce rifled guns, which were more accurate and had a longer range than traditional smoothbore guns. These rifled guns were quickly adopted by other armies, and they played a key role in the development of new tactics and strategies. The introduction of rifled guns had a profound impact on the nature of warfare and the way battles were fought.
Gun Carriages
In addition to producing guns, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced gun carriages. These carriages were used to transport and support artillery pieces, and they were crucial for moving artillery around the battlefield. The Arsenal's gun carriages were considered to be some of the best in the world, and they were widely used by the British military and their allies.
Clothing and Equipment
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich also produced clothing and equipment for soldiers. This included uniforms, tents, and supplies such as ammunition boxes. These items were essential for the soldiers and they helped to ensure that they were well-equipped and prepared for battle.
Other Military Items
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich produced a wide variety of other military items as well. This included bayonets, swords, and other equipment for the soldiers. These items were crucial for the soldiers and they helped to ensure that they were well-equipped and prepared for battle.
Explosives and Ammunition
The Royal Arsenal Woolwich was also a major producer of different kinds of explosives and ammunition for the British military during the 18th and 19th centuries. These items were used in battles and wars and they played a key role in shaping the course of warfare.
Women Workers
During the First World War, munitions workers played a crucial role in supplying the troops with armaments and equipment, freeing up men to join the armed forces. The Ministry of Munitions was established in 1915 to control the output of war material, and oversaw all aspects of production and supply. However, workers in this field were at risk of TNT poisoning, which caused their skin to turn yellow and could lead to death if exposure was prolonged. These workers were referred to as "canaries" due to their yellow appearance.
Decline and Closure
After WWII, the Royal Arsenal began to decline as the demand for armaments decreased. In the 1960s, the British government decided to close the arsenal, and the last workshop closed its doors in 1967.
Contraction began in 1918, land disposals in 1952 and extinguishment came in 1994 yet its innovation and role were vital until the very last moment. Throughout its long drawn out demise the Royal Arsenal's Whitehall masters paid scant regard to the remarkable heritage within its two square miles. Merely 21 of its 1,100 buildings would be designated for post-military survival and its archive would have been lost entirely without the efforts of concerned employees.
Today
Today, the site is a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, but many of the original buildings and structures still remain, giving visitors a glimpse into the arsenal's storied past.
The Story
The story of the Arsenal is the story of the growth of the largest military industrial complex in Europe. The story necessarily includes the Dockyard and Ropeyard going back 500 years..
It is not a celebration of warfare, or of the tools of warfare, but one cannot tell the story of a factory by omitting the development of the product.
The Arsenal was never just its buildings. The Arsenal was a tradition of craft and knowledge that passed unbroken from the laying of the first keel to the stamping of the final cartridge. Traditions that spanned some four hundred and fifty years. It shaped the development of Woolwich, Plumstead, Charlton and Eltham. Of national note, and whether good or bad, the Arsenal was also of pivotal importance and at the very heart of the development of the British Empire.
We are telling a story of endeavour, ingenuity, innovation and human industry through the experiences of the ordinary women and men, the military, the craft-masters and the innovators, who together made Woolwich known across the globe.
Legacy
The Royal Arsenal was a vital part of British military and industrial history. For over 500 years, it supplied the country's armed forces with the necessary armaments and munitions, playing a crucial role in the country's military efforts and economic development. Today, the site serves as a reminder of this important piece of history.
Unearthing the Secret City
The ultimate goal of the this website RAH Facebook group is to collect enough information and photos of the Royal Arsenal to unearth "the Secret City" and map each photo to each area, assigning map overlays on streets in order to bring alive the history. The group aims to help identify and preserve remaining Royal Arsenal features and buildings, cataloguing the history and bringing to public attention the importance of the Royal Arsenal.
For more detailed information on the Royal Arsenal, we encourage you to browse through the menus of this website, where you can discover the interesting story and history of the site.
RAH Social Media
RAH Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/royal.arsenal.history
RAH YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@royal-arsenal-history
RAH Instagram page www.instagram.com/rahistory_com
RAH Twitter page www.twitter.com/rahistory_com
RAH Facebook page www.facebook.com/RoyalArsenalHistory
500 Years Presentation video