The present location of ordnance made in Falkirk: smooth bore muzzle loading (SBML)
The attached table [Present location of Ordnance made in Falkirk] presents the current known location of over 170 pieces of ordnance made at the either the Carron Iron Works or at the Falkirk Iron Works. There will be many more out there and we would appreciate it if you could contact us to let us know the presence of any others – or to provide us with photographs.
Two cannons were loaned to the city in 1895 by A.R. Dickey, Depute-Minister of Militia and Defence. Photograph : Julia Chernushevich
Above: Cannon made by Carron Company, found at Rothesay Pier in 1995 on display in Rothesay Castle. Photograph: Charles Taylor
Above: Cannon made by Carron, a 32-pdr Blomefield with serial number 85156. Believed to have been in Orkney since 1860, according to an article in the Orkney Herald. It was used by the local Artillery volunteers, and was first fired on Queen Victoria’s birthday in 1861. It has been on its present site since at least the late 1950s and its carriage had suffered from the passing of time. Rot was quite advanced and it was getting to the point that it was unsafe. Because of Covid restrictions, the Army Reserve troop had not been able to travel to the mainland for training, so in the spring of 2021 they rebuilt the cannon carriage, copying the dimensions off the old carriage, using the original cast wheels and as much of the metal hardware as possible. Information and Photographs: Laurence Tait.
Above: Two cannons on a closed US Navy base in Puerto Rico. Sabana Seca US Navy Base was closed in 2003 due to political issues in the island. The cannons may have been in display and may have been used to protect the island from invasions during the late 1700’s and 1800’s. Puerto Rico was owned by Spain, but now a commonwealth of the US. Photo: Wilfredo Algarin.
17 replies on “Cannon Made in Falkirk”
Hi I’ve come across a 6 lb 1812 cannon made by Carron company in pendennis castle Falmouth
I’ve two pictures if you are interested in me sending them to you let me know you’re email address
Regards
Mark
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a hall marked medal with an inscription on the reverse ‘Presented to James Curlers for proficiency in ambulance work 1912’. Any information please?.
LikeLike
Can you send us photographs of front and reverse of your medal please? Is there an inscription round the rim? Do you know anything about James Curlers? It would be good if you could send us a photo of the hallmark if that’s possible. From the hallmark we can tell the date of manufacture, where it was manufactured and the metal it is made of. email flhs.secretary@yahoo.co.uk
LikeLike
Dear Sir,
I have a letter dated 1810 written by Joseph Stainton Manger, discussing wooden railway and Lord Elgin brick kilns.
Letter addressed to Robert Beaumont in Charleston.
John
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have seen a carronade in PLymouth. It is overlooking the water as you reach the part of the town called the Barbican. The signage with it says it was made in Carron Works. That would be about fifteen years ago.
LikeLike
There is a carronade on display in the museum in Karonga (Malawi, formerly Nyasaland). It has no inscriptions on the trunnions, but a crown indicates that it is of british origin. In addition, there are initials which read CW&C or GW&C or CW&Co or GW&Co. Is this gun made by Carron Works? What does the abbreviation mean? If you want I can send you pictures.
LikeLike
Thank you for telling us about this gun. However, our expert says that it was not made in Carron. He says, “The initials are probably SW & Co for Samuel Walker and Company of Rotherham, which was another very large manufacturer. Photos might help to check that and I assume it was a Blomefield pattern gun.”
If you would like to send us your pictures, he might be able to tell you more.
LikeLike
I have come across a 12 pounder sponge/rammer stamped with Carronade 12 P .. (12 pounder) M G 5. (Another 5 or possibly a 3) and WD with a mark underneath the WD… I was enquiring where I could sell or value the item and help with the Markings Etc I would be very grateful Thankyou
LikeLike
Falkirk Local History Society is a charity with a remit to document and research the history of the Falkirk area. We cannot comment on valuations.
LikeLike
We have a Carron Cannon from 1826 in Kirkwall, Orkney. I think it’s a 24 pounder. There’s a serial number on the left hand side above “Carron” and the year. Do you have, or know of anyone who would have details of what serial numbers went where? I can also send you some photos if you don’t have it in your records.
LikeLike
Thank you, we would be delighted if you can send photos. Please email them to our Secretary at flhs.secretary@yahoo.co.uk. Unfortunately there does not seem to anyone keeping a full list and that is the reason why Falkirk Local History Society are collecting information. What is the serial number of the Carron Cannon in Kirkwall?
LikeLike
A friend has a cauldron with the markings Falkirk 50. No handles or pouring lip, presume the 50 relates to 50 gals. Does anyone know what the intended use was? thanks
LikeLike
Hi, I came across two cannons (dated 1776) on a closed US Navy base in Puerto Rico. I have pictures that I would like to share. Let me know if interested and where I can send them. Please contact me at: walgarin@gmail.com
LikeLike
Thank you for contacting us. Please tell us how you know that the cannon were made by the Carron Company. It would be great if you could send photographs and include an image of the marked trunnions. Falkirk Local History Society Secretary’s email address is flhs.secretary@yahoo.co.uk
LikeLike
Because they mark on the trunnions with the name of the company (Carron) dated and I guess the serial number. I just sent the pictures to the email above.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, yes I got them. Would it be all right with you if I publish your photos on this page? As with the others, you will be given credit as photographer.
LikeLike
Yes, please. Go ahead. I don’t have any story on the cannons or why they are laying there. All I know is that Sabana Seca US Navy Base was closed in 2003 due to political issues in the island. The cannons may have been in display and may have been used during the to protect the island from invasions during the late 1700’s and 1800’s. Puerto Rico was owned by Spain, but now we are a commonwealth of the US. If anyone have any information on this please let us know.
LikeLike