400 Years of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The year 2026 marks 400 years since the East India Company established gunpowder mills at the Lower Works in 1626.

The mills developed along the Tillingbourne over the following centuries, leaving an important industrial landscape that visitors can explore today.

Self-guided walks

In addition to the information provided by QR codes around the site, you can explore the mills using either the full or quick-print version of our self-guided walk.

Full guide with photographs

The detailed 14-page version includes photographs from around the site.

Open full guide (PDF, 2.0 MB)

Quick-print guide

The concise six-page version is designed for easy printing.

Open quick-print guide (PDF, 218 KB)

You can also visit the Heritage Trail page for a map and information about each point of interest.