The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Structures, Royal Naval Propellant Factory, Caerwent

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 11592g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Caerwent
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : ST4773591495
Site Type (preferred type first) : MODERN MUNITIONS FACTORY

Summary :
The Royal Naval Propellant Factory buildings at Caerwent were designed for the exclusive production of naval propellent and are probably the only surviving structures of their kind. The factory was built during 1939 - 1942 with the Picrite Plant built later in 1952. . Many of the original structures are intact however several buildings were burnt out and wooden structures were burnt down during decontamination.

Description :
The Royal Naval Propellant Factory buildings at Caerwent were designed for the exclusive production of naval propellent and are probably the only surviving structures of their kind.
The Nitro Cellulose Plant buildings were designed by Freeman, Fox and Partners and built during 1939-1942 by Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons, to conform to the Passive Defence Scheme. Each unit was of almost identical splinter and blastproof construction, made of brick with flat reinforced 4” to 9” concrete roofs and had wire reinforced glazing to the windows. Covered corridors connected buildings from the Paper Preparation Room to the Pulping and Blending Room, each 50 yards long and wide enough to allow trucks to transport materials between areas. Many of the original structures are intact however several buildings were burnt out and wooden structures were burnt down during decontamination.
(Tuck M & Riddett R, 2006)

The Tetryl Plant buildings were designed by Freeman, Fox and Partners and built in 1939-1942 by Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons. Plant installation was by W J Fraser and Co Ltd ready for production to commence in October 1941, continuing until early 1944 when the plant closed. The area was subject to subsidence and in 1949 was designated unsafe and fenced off.
336 - Sieve House. The original building was made of wood with a Kimolo board lining and housed the tetryl grading sieve.
Building for the Picrite Plant began in 1952 and consisted of 7 brick buildings (code letter N), a substation, water cooling tower, spent acid recover plant, offices, laboratory and lavatory block. (Alexander C W, 1968)

316 – Hot, Cold & Ambient building is a Listed Building ref 87552. 317 – Control Room is a Listed Building ref 87551. 317 – Firing Point has Scheduled Monument status ref MM341. Nitro-glycerine Hill and its’ structures has Scheduled Monument status ref MM352.
See Appendix III Part A for a full description of buildings 001 to 437 and Appendix III Part B for buildings 461 to 1095.


Sources :
Alexander C W , 1968 , The Royal Naval Propellant Factory, Caerwent, Monmouthshire
Tuck M , 2006 , Caerwent Training Area, Army Training Estate, Monmouthshire: Buildings Survey
Tuck M & Riddett R , 2006 , Caerwent Training Area, Army Trading Estate, Monmouthshire: Building Survey. Appendix III part A.
Tuck M & Riddett R , 2006 , Caerwent Training Area, Army Trading Estate, Monmouthshire: Building Survey. Appendix III part B.

Events :
E005643 : Caerwent Training Area, Monmouthshire (year : 2006)

Related records
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 09016g
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 09218g
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 11591g

Compiled date : 29-01-2018


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