13 replies to this topic

[pyrotechnist]

Just curios if anyone knows what this factory may be, its derelict for looks of it and looks a bit like a firework factory in layout and am curios if anyone can shed some light on what it may or may have been.
map link

[Peret]

It does look interesting! There are several buildings with no road or track leading to them - unfortunately the resolution isn't quite good enough to make out the details. There's a fairly obvious earthwork at the north corner that could be a magazine - the satellite angle doesn't show its face. I think it looks more military than civil, though. Was there an airfield there in WW2?

[exat808]

It does look interesting! There are several buildings with no road or track leading to them - unfortunately the resolution isn't quite good enough to make out the details. There's a fairly obvious earthwork at the north corner that could be a magazine - the satellite angle doesn't show its face. I think it looks more military than civil, though. Was there an airfield there in WW2?

It is possibly part of the extensive series of gunpowder ( and other explosives) factories found in Faversham and the surrounding areas.
The first Royal Gunpowder Factory was established in Faversham in the late 1700's at a place called the Marsh Works.
There has been much written over the years about Faversham and its explosives factories. I believe that there is or used to be a Faversham Society dedicated to the historical research and preservation of remains.

[Arthur Brown]

http://www.purfleet-...es/history.html is just over the river. It's an interesting old place.

[crystal palace fireworks]

Just curios if anyone knows what this factory may be, its derelict for looks of it and looks a bit like a firework factory in layout and am curios if anyone can shed some light on what it may or may have been.
map link

Might be one of theses two;-

http://www.faversham...?i_PageID=15850

http://www.faversham...irectoryID=1035

[pyrotechnist]

Interesting, here is a different view of it of a pic someone took on flickr, My link

[exat808]

This link has a map showing the powder works and other features in Faversham. The site in question could be item "5" on the first map which is the Home Powder Works.

http://www.faversham...geID=15782#maps

[crystal palace fireworks]

One the countries leading experts on gunpowder mills is Prof Alan Crocker, it might be worth sending your photo to this society for a response;-

http://www.sihg.org.uk/index.html

[Peret]

This link has a map showing the powder works and other features in Faversham. The site in question could be item "5" on the first map which is the Home Powder Works.

Good map, but it's a bit NE of location 5. On the original map it's NE of the town and south of Faversham Creek, which on your map would be near the 'F' of the word "Faversham" under the North arrow. I wonder if it might be the plant mentioned in the text above the map -

One new high explosives factory opened alongside the Creek in 1922. This is still at work but now makes an explosive-substitute which can safely be used in environments where conventional explosives would be unsafe.

[exat808]

Peret quoted - One new high explosives factory opened alongside the Creek in 1922. This is still at work but now makes an explosive-substitute which can safely be used in environments where conventional explosives would be unsafe

Quick Google search found the Cardox company operating at Abbey Works, Abbey Fields, Faversham.
This firm has made non explosive blasting and demolition materials for many years. It uses a liquid Co2 process injecting the chemical at high pressures into drilled holes and voids. Not sure of they actually manufacture at Faversham anymore. This could be the answer to the original factory question.

[pyrotechnist]

That is interesting information, it is a shame such a site is left there neglected though I wonder if anything remains. The place does look pretty cool and would be an interesting visit none the less and with it being set back away from residential I am sure it should be ok from vandals for now.

[Arthur]

As some have said, this is Cardox International, and it makes CO2 cartridges for use mainly in quarrying. It isn't derelict, but still active. It started as a high explosives factory in 1924, presumably absorbing a few of the many staff of the Cotton Powder Company and Explosives Loading Company at their huge factories nearby - which closed at the end of the WW1 (some members may have seen a one-minute sequence filmed at the CPC site in the last in the series TITANIC - THE MISSION aired on Channel 4 recently - this was because the distress rockets the ship fired were made in Faversham). After a blow in (I think)1939 it converted to making its present product. The plant has had several different names and is still known locally by its original name Mexco (short for Mining Explosives Company) but lengthened to 'Mexico' to make it easier to say. Till a few years ago it belonged to a French firm but it was really of no interest to them and it's now unusual in being owned by its main customers. It has slimmed down over the years. It's unusual in still having a manumotive railway, though this is now little used. I hope this helps.

[pyrotechnist]

If its still in use why does it look so derelict in the picture showing some of the buildings and over grown in areas. According to Cardox website the company operates in Ashton-U-Lyne though this may be its offices not sure.

Edited by pyrotechnist, 01 December 2010 - 02:08 AM.

[Arthur]

Some of the buildings are not in use - hence they may look derelict. Ashton-under-Lyne is merely the location of the company's registered office.