National Explosives Company

Opened in 1888 to produce Dynamite for the local mining industry, the National Explosives Company near Hayle in Cornwall became one of the largest Explosives factories in the world. Its products were exported around the world and it eventually became a vital supplier to the Royal Navy during the First World War.
A number of fatal accidents happened during the 31 years of operation including the infamous 1904 Nitroglycerine explosion which rocked the town of St Ives.
*UPDATE 2022*
Amazingly, the family of Oscar Holman, the Swedish man killed in the explosion contacted me shortly after this film was released, Oscar did not in fact die in the explosion, he recovered and made his way back to his home country where he lived a full and fruitful life. It seems the records surrounding the death count are incorrect almost everywhere.

[@tietjenuk]

So very interesting. Thanks very much for your time and trouble taken in the production of this film.

[@bigtreesneil]

I just wish to thank you for such an amazing piece of work, remarkable. My Son and I were discovering the site and this has added so much to answer the intriguing questions we had ! x

[@ricogo2447]

Very nice and well documented story. Thank you very much indeed for the share.

[@destructiona-z9524]

I live in Hayle and this is extremely useful and interesting. Thank you!

[@MarkThomasChannel]

Destruction A-Z well please dont Destruction it!

[@jamesb72]

Really interesting video, we saw the chimney from st ives bay holiday park last year so wandered round chimney and up to the concrete beams and googled to discover some info on explosives company.

[@terenceburchett6122]

Lived locally for 9 years and walked dogs over the site daily. I had also read much about its history (I thought and knew). Such as Nobel's similar site at Saltcoats in Scotland. This and the amazing photographs show a different perspective about area. Huge size of the Factory astounded me. Thank you. Great stuff!

[@underwaterdick]

Excellent video, thank you for making it in such detail. Would you consider covering the RNCF Holton Heath at some point in the future. Yes, it is Dorset and not Cornwall, but still related to this video. They too had a couple of accidents and used the same processes to manufacture cordite. There are some very knowledgeable people connected to the site that I can contact if you need sources of information. They love documenting its history.

[@a6703]

Brilliant documentary. Terribly sad the loss of life of people just wanting to earn a living. I hope there is a commemorative plaque for those who lost their lives.

[@kernow..exp.]

Wellmark that is really interesting another great video from you my friend

[@honestysun3512]

Excellent video Mark, a group of us all watched it last night and shared it. So many people had no idea about any of this before your very interesting video.

[@barleyarrish]

Happy Christmas Mark and your family and friends from Carn Euny, that was a very interesting video.

[@JamesWilliams-se3vr]

Brilliant film Mark.

[@josephverri618]

Dynamite is TNT trinitrotoluine. Nitroglycerin is a by product that occurs when Dynamite sweats when stored improperly.

[@MarkThomasChannel]

You are incorrect.

[@oldog2]

oh so wrong if you are going to make a comment be sure it is correct

[@jacobsrandomvideochannel4586]

Dynamite is Nitroglycerin-based, Not TNT based! as TNT (Trinitrotoluene) is completely different from Nitroglycerin (Trinitroglycerine) in terms of power, stability and physical properties, Nitroglycerin is a sensitive oily liquid which can be set off relatively easy with a light hammer tap and produces more power than TNT gram to gram, whereas Trinitrotoluene is a crystalline solid that is somewhat difficult to set off without a strong detonation from a blasting cap, TNT has a completely different chemical make up than Nitroglycerin, and TNT can't break down into Nitroglycerin as toluene and glycerin are completely different substances, it's like saying silver will decompose into gold or bleach will decompose into red wine type of deal.

[@BLUESKY-zt1nv]

Great very informative video ..i live very close to hear ..walked over those dunes many times not knowing the history ..i do now !!

[@rayrogers6190]

Thanks for a great video which helps me piece together the story of the 1916 explosion for my family history research. Harriett Isabel Rogers was my Great Aunt so thank you. Do yo know if it is possible to get a copy of the accident report from the National Archives.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Mark, wow I didn't know it even existed. How on Earth did you keep that accent up 😂. I would like to wish you and your Family a merry Christmas and a happy new Year. 🎄🎁🙏🏻🥂xx

[@peterjory8830]

Thank you ❤

[@jenRWfan]

Haha Apart from the accent, you've done a fascinating video, definitely needs sharing.. thanks.x

[@pzpete]

Nice piece of work. You wouldn't happen to have the 1916 report reference number would you? I'm writing a book on the factory and would be interested in getting a copy from the National Archives to help interpret the site.

[@CatchavistaAerial]

Interesting video! Thanks for sharing!

[@andyghey3534]

My late dad had an id tag from there.