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Imported saltpetre was ground with locally produced charcoal to make black powder primarily used for blasting in quarries. A localised industry around Kendal operated from 1798 until the last works here closed in 1935. The machinery was water powered. The characteristic feature of gunpowder mills is the high blast walls and buttresses to separate compartments. These would be topped with a light roof so that the force of the blast went upwards.