Rifle Shell Factory Gateway, Woolwich Arsenal

The Rifle Shell Factory was built in 1855 when advances in steam power saw the Royal Arsenal transformed from the era of craft workshop to industrial plant. The steam hammer bases displayed to the side of the archway were introduced in 1874.
In front of the archway are:
-24 pounder smooth bore muzzle loading iron gun. 9feet. Manufactured by Carron. Said to have been employed at the siege of St Sebastian in 1812, where it was hit and damaged by a cannon ball which killed the gun layer.
-24 pounder smooth bore muzzle loading French iron gun, captured in Lord Howe's victory on 1st June in 1794.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward