controller of gunpowder stores

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Topic URL: http://www.gunpowder-plot.org/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24
Printed on: 10/11/2006

Topic:

Topic author: Deb
Subject: controller of gunpowder stores
Posted on: 01/14/2006 10:45:38
Message:

Hi
I have been set the task (for homework) of finding who controlled the gunpowder stores in the UK in 1605. Having looked for quite some time on line (Google etc) I have not been able to find out, so was wondering if you would be able to assist?
Thanks
Deb

Replies:

Reply author: Administrator
Replied on: 01/14/2006 11:09:51
Message:

Deb

The gunpowder stores were located in the Tower of London. The building was both a prison and an armoury. When the barrels of gunpowder were removed, they were taken to the ordinance supply at the Tower. My guess is the person you are after is the Lieutenant of the Tower - Sir William Waad who took up this position in August of 1605.

Reply author: Deb
Replied on: 01/16/2006 02:31:59
Message:

Many thanks for your help
Deb

quote:

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Originally posted by Administrator

Deb

The gunpowder stores were located in the Tower of London. The building was both a prison and an armoury. When the barrels of gunpowder were removed, they were taken to the ordinance supply at the Tower. My guess is the person you are after is the Lieutenant of the Tower - Sir William Waad who took up this position in August of 1605.

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Reply author: wayland2002
Replied on: 01/18/2006 15:56:00
Message:

Deb
Admin is correct, it was controlled from the Tower Armouries.
From what I can find out it seems that gunpowder was nearly as difficult to get hold of in 1605 as it is now. People may have had small amounts for hunting or "home defence" but its very unlikely that the average catholic could have easily obtained 2 tons of the stuff.
Im still tempted to believe that the plotters made their own, thats why they had so much of it (it wasnt very good), this would go some way to explaining why it was described as "spoiled" later. Home made powder tends to separate out after a while unlike proffesionally made stuff which is corned to stop this happening.

Reply author: GWRC
Replied on: 01/18/2006 18:51:08
Message:

If there was a move towards peace between Spain and England at this time, maybe Guy FAWKES was recruited in order to use his contacts in the acquisition of gunpowder under the table as those with gunpowder stocks may have thought that a peace was result in a fall in demand for gunpwder etc.

Reply author: Administrator
Replied on: 01/20/2006 05:28:53
Message:

Robert Catesby also used the story that he was recruiting personnel and supplies for the English Regiment in the Low Countries. These supplies would almost certainly have included gunpowder. Also remember that in their flight they broke into Hewell Grange and Warwick Castle to steal horses and powder, the powder which later became wet and was dried in front of the fire at Holbeche that caused the explosion that wounded many of them and reportedly blew part of the roof off.

This shows that small supplies of powder could have been collected from various sources under false pretences, as it certainly existed.

Reply author: wayland2002
Replied on: 01/21/2006 06:21:34
Message:

I agree it would be very easy to aquire small amounts. The problem is even if catesby was legally purchasing powder for his regiment he would still need to prove that it had been used before he could get more. Also stealing it from private houses is "ok" when your already a wanted man but not the most sensible idea when your trying to keep a low profile.
As far as I can see the only ways of obtaining 2 tons of powder would be to import it secretly, manufacture it, or to have it supplied by the government.
Manufacture is easy but tends to give poor quality powder. Import is more difficult. Government supply implies that there was a spy in the camp.

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