Nestled away In Dartford’s desolate marshes are a series of strange looking huts, which could be confused as the remnants from an old farm. Astonishingly the marshes were once home to Britain’s largest firework factory. It certainly had a very bright past, but 20 years after its closure, the future of Dartford’s spark from the past looks very bleak indeed.
The site, now owned by Greenwich University, was once owned by joseph wells and was the heart of Britain’s firework industry, it exported to many countries across the world and was renowned as the greatest producer of fireworks in the country, but what was it that made wells factory go bang?
Wells firework’s was set up by Joseph Wells in 1837, and the company remained under the Wells family control for 130 years. In the 1950’s an explosion at the factory caused significant problems for the business. It was eventually the cheaper Chinese rivals that caused an end to the factories firework production. Most of the buildings still stand, but for many enthusiasts, how much longer remains a big concern.
"I wish it could be preserved because like most of our heritage it will be gone soon’’
PYRO society member.
For many, it is a shame to see the historical treasure fall into such a state of disrepair. A lot of the remaining buildings have been partially or fully destroyed by vandalism and natural damage. It’s been reported that there have already been a few small scale fires, contained to one or two of the buildings, but the worry amongst many is that a large scale fire, affecting most of the buildings, will break out due to vandalism.
Although there are many signs (pictured), warning members of the public of the toxic substances like asbestos that are contained within the site, people still choose to enter at their own risk.
Groups like Urban Explorers have entered the site and many others across London and there are a lot of internet forums sharing their discoveries.
There are many groups and individuals whose goal it is to restore the site and question what exactly Greenwich University plan on doing with a 180 year old firework factory. If they do have plans many ask for them to be publicised and embraced by local residents who may have an interest in its restoration.
There are currently no official plans for the future of the Wells firework factory site, although some members of internet forums, if they have their own way, plan to buy the site and restore it to its former glory.
The future is certainly uncertain for wells firework factory, but the marshy land makes it unsuitable for a large scale building project. It appears then that this blast from the past should be around for a little while longer then, and continue to create a spark within the most adventurous of Dartford’s residents.
