Report - MOD base near monmouth. Dec 18

[Gasman]

Don't know a great deal about this place. Saw it passing on my way to somewhere else and thought it was worth a look. Totally empty but don't know if this is normal or because it was boxing day

 

[mockney reject]

I like that, something different

 

[Lenston]

This is Caerwent isnt it, it is an active training base so your prob lucky you didnt bump into someone.

 

[tigger]

The former propellant factory at Caerwent definitely (though I wouldn't describe that as 'near Monmouth"). Huge site, some of which is civvy use. Still very much an active MoD training area.

 

[Gasman]

This is Caerwent isnt it, it is an active training base so your prob lucky you didnt bump into someone.

Only things around were sheep lol

 

[Lenston]

Only things around were sheep lol

As you say prob because it was boxing day, they do hold various rallies there throughout the year, im sure Top Gear have used it a few times in the past.

 

[Ferox]

Cool looking place. Sounds like you went at the right time

 

[pastybarm]

Massive looking buildings...any security on the site?

 

[Kendog]

Don't know a great deal about this place. Saw it passing on my way to somewhere else and thought it was worth a look. Totally empty but don't know if this is normal or because it was boxing day

Interesting pics, would like to know what some of the rooms were used for.

 

[Oxygen Thief]

Looks interesting. Any chance of a more detailed location, see if we can track down the history?

 

[mw0sec]

RNPF Caerwent was a propellant factory, built as a successor to RNCF Holton Heath (1938). Supplied the bulk of propellant for the Ryal Navy from around 1946. Manufacture on site included nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and picrite (probably tetryl as well for gaines). The main final product was cordite for Naval gunnery. Closed as a propellant factory in 1965 when production was moved to Bishopton in Scotland. Subsequent uses included manufacture of materials for gramophone records and a joint RAF/USAF missile store. Also some work on engine testing. As others have pointed out, more recent use includes training for police and Army.

 

[Andrew Rattytoo Booth]

Well I would say definitely a ammo factory on of those pictures shows a railway loading bay you can still see the track marks

 

[Gasman]

RNPF Caerwent was a propellant factory, built as a successor to RNCF Holton Heath (1938). Supplied the bulk of propellant for the Ryal Navy from around 1946. Manufacture on site included nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and picrite (probably tetryl as well for gaines). The main final product was cordite for Naval gunnery. Closed as a propellant factory in 1965 when production was moved to Bishopton in Scotland. Subsequent uses included manufacture of materials for gramophone records and a joint RAF/USAF missile store. Also some work on engine testing. As others have pointed out, more recent use includes training for police and Army.

Thank you for info

 

[Baldybloke]

Yep. That's good old Caerwent. Well done on getting access and not being caught. The place is absolutely massive and you'd need a few days to explore everything.
Current uses are private storage, regular filming and special forces training. I live just behind it so black helicopters with no markings or lights are a regular occurrence.
I've been in a few times and there is an impressive history to the place.

 

[DanMoist]

This place is great fun. I've visited several times. It's either totally empty and you won't see a soul or there are army in there. It's hard to know what you'll find until you're inside.