A substantial overview of the gunpowder and explosives industry from the earliest surviving physical remains of the 17th century through the transformation of the industry in the 18th century and the growth of the chemical explosives industry in the 19th century and the urgent, large-scale demands of the 20th century. The aim of this highly accessible and well-presented volume is to aid the identification of buildings associated with the industry, to help their conservation and to promote understanding amongst archaeologists, historians and the general public. Cocroft examines key factories, notably the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey, many of which have been cloaked in secrecy until recently, parallels in North America and on the Continent and the distinctive design of buildings created for the First and Second World Wars. Includes a gazetteer and a glossary.