Royal Small Arms Factory
RSA Interpretation Centre, 49 Island Centre Way, Enfield, Greater London, EN3 6GS
Originally owned by the Royal Ordnance, the Royal Small Arms site was a famous centre for firearms manufacture for more than 170 years and was home to a whole community. Buildings on site included a church (the original font is displayed in the central courtyard at the Centre) a police station and a school. Here are some important dates in the rise and fall of the Royal Small Arms factory: 1816: Royal Armoury Mills (later RSAF) open at Enfield Lock 1856: The building of the large machine room was completed so that machinery from America, to aid mass production, could be installed 1857: RSAF became the first factory in Britain to manufacture weapons with interchangeable parts using a system of mass production 1861: The American Civil War began and Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle was sold by private dealers in large quantities to the armies of both North and South 1895: The famous Lee-Enfield Magazine Rifle MK1 is first produced 1914: The First World War begins and women workers are taken on at Enfield Lock for the first time During World War II, the Bren, Sten, Hispano and Canon were made in vast numbers at the RSAF site in Enfield 1950: The war in Korea returns the RSAF to large scale weapon manufacture 1987: Closure announced of the RSAF 2001: The RSA Island Centre opened as a business park and "Village Centre" following the restoration of the listed Main Machine Shop. All profits from commercial rents are distributed to charitable causes in Enfield and the Lee Valley. Our museum, the RSA Interpretation Centre and clock tower are open for tours.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
RSA Interpretation Centre, 49 Island Centre Way, Enfield, Greater London, EN3 6GS
- Directions:
- Bus: 121, 491 Alight at ‘Canalside Walk’ stop and cross the small pedestrian bridge over the ornamental canal arm. National Rail: Enfield Lock Station Trains run every half an hour between London Liverpool Street and Hertford East, once per hour between Stratford (London) and Bishop’s Stortford. London Underground: Tottenham Hale Change from Victoria Line to National Rail and take the train to Enfield Lock Station (see above). By Car There is free parking available in our car park at the RSA Island Centre as well as free parking around Enfield Island Village should our car park be full. We are located just off of Mollison Avenue, a short distance from J25 of the M25. Our address is: The RSA Island Centre, Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Our Museum, the RSA Interpretation Centre is accessible by wheelchair. However, the clock at the top of the clock tower is only accessible via long ladders. There are toilets on site, as well as fresh drinking water on request, as well as seating on request.
Additional information
The museum space will be open for all - with former Factory engineers on site to tell their stories. Clock tower tours are managed by taking two visitors at a time to see the clock. This is accessible by two long ladders. Sensible footwear and clothing is recommended. The clock keeper reserves the right to refuse access to the clock if they have any concerns about a visitors fitness. Tours run throughout the day. In addition the Community Hall opposite will be open, hosting a temporary exhibition, courtesy of the Royal Armouries and Pinhole London.
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 20 minute(s)
