We tell the explosive story of H.M. Factory Gretna!
H.M. Factory Gretna was a munitions factory, stretching from Longtown in England to Dornock in Scotland, which made cordite during World War One. It employed 30,000 munition workers; 12,000 of which were women. Their contribution to the war effort helped women to achieve the vote.
Sherlock Holmes author, Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle coined the phrase ‘the Devil’s Porridge’ after visiting H.M. Factory Gretna as a War Correspondent and witnessing the Gretna Girls who worked there mixing cordite in large pans. You can see some of these pans on display inside The Devil's Porridge Museum.
We're very proud to commemorate and share the story of H.M. Factory Gretna at The Devil's Porridge Museum. The museum also goes on to share the history of the local area during World War Two and beyond include the story of Scotland's First Nuclear Power Station, Chapelcross!
We also have a small café, which is accessed from outside. You don't have to visit the museum to come to our café. We offer a children's menu and have high chairs available. Please be sure to check our café opening hours on The Devil's Porridge Museum's official website prior to your visit.
