Site Aims and Objectives ...
The extensive ruin of the ICI cordite works at Edingham near Dalbeattie is the largest historical feature of the town of Dalbeattie, but less is known about it
than any other part of the town's history. This website is intended to provide the following :-
- A history of the works checked against available sources. [Done]
- Details of the processes involved in production at the works. [Done]
- An archaeological interpretation of surviving structures as at August 2006. [Done]
- A reliable plan of the site based on a walking survey of it. [O/S and RCAHMS material being considered. Cartoon
Maps under construction]
- Records of graffiti found on site and associated poetry. [Underway]
- Memoirs of surviving staff and the relatives of others long gone. [Underway]
- Details of sources used by Richard Edkins in researching and surveying the site. [Done]
Information Levels ...
Because this an unusual subject and this is the first site to study the Factory in depth, the website is
organised in three levels :-
- Introductory - For visitors who want an overview of the information to understand what they
are looking at. See the Bulleted List of Key Points on each page.
- Advanced - For visitors who wish to know rather more about the factory operations and recognise
the main points of the site interpretation. Introduction paragraph and sub-headed descriptions on each page.
- Scientific - To learn the nature of site processes and site interpretation. This technical study
may be excessive for many non-enthusiasts but some online information can be found via the Sources page. A leaflet and
a book are in preparation.
Information is still being gathered so changes in content and interpretation are inevitable.
New visitors are advised to go to Virtual Tour and then to look through
Buildings and Functions to understand the site. A simple plan will be added to the
website as soon as possible.
Visitors to this website are invited to submit information that may help to further develop and update
this site. Many of the former staff came from elsewhere in Scotland and from England, so they or their
relatives will probably have a contribution to make.
Visiting The Factory :
Matthew Taylor is happy to show visitors around the cordite factory on his farm, but insists that ALL
VISITORS PHONE HIM BEFORE COMING. Parts of the site contain deep excavations and structures damaged by blasting.
For your own safety - and information - please call 01556 610397. Alternatively, discuss a guided tour or the
site with Richard Edkins on 01556 611740 (Tel/Fax/Answerphone).
Dedication :
The Dalbeattie Factory website is dedicated to all the staff who built and operated the cordite works, in
particular the technical staff and munitions workers who risked their lives and health every day
providing the means to fight and defeat Adolf Hitler and his 'Third Reich'. It is also dedicated to
the late Matthew Taylor Sr. and his fellow-farmers, who gave up their land to defend the country they loved.
All of this website is Copyright :
In view of the time and effort involved in collecting, compiling, analysing and presenting this information, it is
strictly forbidden to reproduce any text or image on this site in any form. All images and text except where directly
indicated are the sole property of Richard Edkins of Dalbeattie Internet. The only exception is where a letter
on Dalbeattie Internet headed paper has been written with permission and copies of material for display have been
sent direct to the user.
