Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Grade II listed building. Main construction periods 1800 to 1810

Monument Types

• SITE (Post Medieval - 1800 AD to 1810 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
FAVERSHAM
TR 06 SW HAM ROAD
659/6/10013 Gate House, Marsh Works
14-DEC-01
GV II
Gate house at entrance to gunpowder works, now house. 1800-10, with later extension. Flemish bond brick with slate roof and brick stacks. Double-depth plan, with extension to left (SW) of front.
EXTERIOR: 2 storeys. Gauged brick flat arches over late C19 2/2-pane sashes flanking panelled door in canted bay to right, with timber lintel over similar sash to first floor. Two similar windows to range on left and to left return, which has C19 timber porch with swept roof to panelled door.
INTERIOR: not inspected.
HISTORY: The Marsh Works were part of the Royal Gunpowder Factory which was established outside Faversham in 1786 after an explosion in the town, to remove some of the more dangerous processes. It played an important part in the improvement of British gunpowder leading up to and during the Napoleonic Wars, under William Congreve. A saltpetre refinery was built in 1789 as part of Congreve's successful drive to improve the ingredients of British powder. It was privatised after the war, and closed in the 1920s.
The gatehouse was added as part of the refurbishment of the site in the early C19, at the entrance to the works and close to the Proof House (qv) for testing powder. The bed of a testing mortar is located in the garden.

In 2019 an historic building recording of the former Marsh Gunpowder Works buildings now situated within the former Oare Mineral Works, Faversham, Kent was completed in advance of works to the designated and non- designated heritage assets. (2)

English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

<2> Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd, 2019, Historic Building Recording of the Marsh Gunpowder Works within the Former Oare Mineral Works, Faversham, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE54278.

Sources and further reading

Related records