The Devils Porridge Exhibition

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.

Sir James, our fireless locomotive is a family favourite and is located outside The Devil's Porridge Museum. The locomotive was used at H.M. Factory Gretna during World War One and you are welcome to climb aboard.

There is also a replica Anderson shelter, red telephone box and Dig For Victory garden outside The museum to look out for!

Inside The Devil's Porridge Museum there's lots more to explore.

Children will be given a Factory Pass when they enter the museum, which they can stamp around the museum.

You will be able to explore our replica World War One trench. Are brave enough to put your hand inside the wall and find out what objects from the trenches are hidden inside?

Meet Agnes our friendly hologram of a munition worker who will tell you all about her life working at H.M. Factory Gretna.

All the family can try on our dressing up clothes upstairs in the museum from aprons, to gas masks and uniforms.

You can even take control of a nuclear power station (well, pretend to). Sit at our control desk for Chapelcross. There’s lots of switches and lights on this desk which you can use.

In 2019, The Devil's Porridge Museum was proud to have been shortlisted for Kids In Museum's "The Most Family Friendly Museum in the UK" award.

More recently, in 2023, The Devil's Porridge Museum won the Celebrating Thriving Communities award in the South of Scotland regional Thistle Awards final.

In 2022, The Devil's Porridge Museum was Winner of Best Visitor Attraction Experience in the West of Scotland at the Scottish Thistle Award's Regional Finals and in 2018 the museum was Winner of Best Heritage Tourism Experience in the West of Scotland at the Scottish Thistle Award's Regional Finals.

Not bad for a charity which started off in a small exhibition in St John’s Church, Eastriggs. The Devil's Porridge Museum still relies on a team of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers today!