Powder Cannon at Powdermills, near Postbridge

07-1969. This power canon also known as a proof mortar at Powdermills was used to test gunpowder that was manufactured at the mills. This photograph of 1969 shows its original fittings. A granite ball of a known weight would be fired using various charges of powder to ascertain its explosive strength. The mortar was renovated by the National Park Authority in the 1980's. It is currently located by the track to Powdermills and the 2005 photograph shows its renovated state.