Royal Ordnance Depot

Q and A with…. The Depot, Royal Ordnance Depot at Weedon in Northamptonshire. We talked to Doreen Addicott about her role there and what you can expect to find when visiting.

1. The Royal Ordnance Depot has a history dating back several centuries and has had many different uses over those years. Can you offer a brief insight?

A: 1803 was the start of the Small Arms Depot in Weedon, it remained a storage facility for the army until 1965. Since then the government used it for tables cutlery etc. to send abroad until 1984. After that it has had many different businesses on site.

2. What makes it so special and appealing for visitors today?

A: The Visitor Centre is where visitors can learn about its history or book a tour or ghost walk. There is also antique shops, a book shop, dress shop, brewery, garage and much more.

3. What does a typical day at The Depot Visitor Centre involve for you?

A: Lots, from greeting visitors, listening to their stories of when their family worked at the Depot, telling visitors about the Depot's history. Looking after the building, moving artefacts around. No two days are the same.

4. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role?

A: Telling the social history of the Depot. There is so much to tell and it is really fascinating.

5. Has there been a particular funny incident or strange moment during your time here?

A: A strange moment was when we saw a young girl on the stairs. She came down and went to the back of the room and disappeared. The curious thing though - there was no way out from where she went!

6. Do you have any advice for visitors, particularly those maybe visiting for the first time?

A: The Visitor Centre is upstairs, if you have a problem with stairs we have one room on ground level and we can show you photos, a video and some artefacts that we can bring down for you to see.