Royal Arsenal
Woolwich became home to a dockyard under the reign of King Henry VIII. Its position on the river and its proximity to the Palace at Greenwich made it ideal for the manufacture and storage of ships, armaments and ammunition. At the time, the surrounding areas were mainly marshland and therefore ideal for deadening the impact of ammunition testing. The area grew during the 17th century and by late 1600’s it became the largest gun repository and ammunition ground in the country.
The whole area within the Royal Arsenal is full of history and the buildings had multiple uses. In 1669 The Royal Laboratory was built to make fireworks for upcoming jubilees and coronations. Later this building was used to manufacture gunpowder, shots and shells. In 1762 the Royal Artillery Band, the oldest orchestra in the UK, made their home here
The area continued to be a hub of productivity, although after the battle of Waterloo in 1815, the activity declined. By the late 19th century its fortunes grew again and by this time the Royal Arsenal had its own railway and power station. Sadly, because of its placement on an open area of the Thames, during WWII the Royal Arsenal suffered extensive bombing.
By 1994 the area ceased to be a military establishment and is now flats, apartments and businesses. However, amongst the new additions you can still see some original buildings and armaments.
A team we all now know as Arsenal Football Club had its origins here at the Royal Arsenal. In 1886 a sundial that sits over the grand entrance was inspiration for a workers football team, with their nickname ‘The Gunners’ reflecting their origin. This can still be seen on the football club logo.
