Arsenal Gallery

Firing the 111-Ton Gun...at Woolwich, June 1887, (1901). Creator: Unknown

Firing the 111-Ton Gun, with 1800-lb. projectile and 960-lb. of gunpowder, at Woolwich, June 1887, (1901). William Armstrong's monster gun which was then the largest gun in existence, being tested at Woolwich Arsenal in southeast London. Designed to arm warships, its shells could penetrate wrought iron, and had a range of 8 miles. The gun was the main attraction at the Royal Mining, Engineering and Industrial Exhibition, held at Newcastle in 1887 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne. From "The Illustrated London News Record of the Glorious Reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901: The Life and Accession of King Edward VII. and the Life of Queen Alexandra". [London, 1901]

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Woolwich Arsenal, London, 20th Century

Woolwich Arsenal, London, 20th Century. Established in the late 17th century, Woolwich Arsenal was named the Royal Arsenal by George III in 1805. At the height of its munitions output during World War I the Arsenal covered about 1300 acres and employed some 80, 000 workers. Postcard from The Souvenir Album, Views of London And The River Thames, From London To Oxford, (London, 20th Century)

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images